THE father of hostage Paul Wells was today staging a press conference in India to drum up support for the search for his son.

Reporters from local newspapers and TV and radio stations were expected to attend the conference later today when an emotional appeal for information will be made.

Paul, of Bracken Close, Blackburn, was kidnapped by separatist militants along with three other Westerners more than a year ago.

Also at the conference will be Paul's girlfriend, Cath Moseley, Julie Mangan, wife of Middlesbrough man Keith Mangan and Jane Shelly, wife of American hostage Donald Hutchings. Speaking from Delhi, Paul's father, Bob, said: "The purpose of our press conference is to generate interest and to let people know that we are out here and want information.

"There has been a lot of interest by local journalists and we're expecting a fairly good turn-out today."

Mr Wells said he was treating with caution news that Paul is still alive.

Jammu and Kashmir state Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said the four hostages were alive but refused to give details on where they were being held.

Mr Wells said: "At the moment we're still trying to get that news confirmed, so until then it's difficult to know how to take it."

Mr Wells launched his journey of hope to try to find out more information about Paul's fate.

This week he will speak to officials in Srinigar before looking among the ordinary people of the trouble-torn region for clues.

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