THE AUNT of missing Daniel Entwistle has spoken of her hope that he will still be found alive.

Cath Entwistle, of Bevington Close, Burnley, said the whole family were waiting for fresh news and praying for a happy ending.

Daniel, seven, disappeared almost three weeks ago while playing near the river Yare at his new home in Great Yarmouth.

The youngster moved to Norfolk three years ago with parents David, 41, and Paula, 30, after growing up in Peel Street, Padiham.

Cath, 40, said: "It is very frustrating for everyone because all we can do is wait for some news of Daniel and keep our fingers crossed for him.

"I haven't spoken to his parents recently because they just want to be left alone, but we are all thinking of them and of Daniel."

Daniel vanished shortly after leaving his home about 5pm on Saturday May 3. A bicycle thought to belong to the youngster was found near the raised bank of the tidal river Yare, less than a mile from his home.

Police fear that the youngster might have fallen about 15ft into the river while playing on the bank, but they have not ruled out abduction.

His parents have delivered leaflets appealing for information to houses near the spot where their son was thought to have played shortly before disappearing.

Police hope that the leaflets, which show a picture of Daniel and the red bicycle, might jog people's memories and unearth some new clues.

Searches of the Yare and nearby coastal areas have so far been unfruitful.