THE PARENTS of missing Blackburn hostage Paul Wells hope to capture the nation's hearts and minds next week with the launch of a thought-provoking poster campaign to mark the 600th day in captivity of their son and three friends.

Bob and Dianne Wells hope the hard-hitting posters, which Bob designed, will give their son's plight nationwide publicity and add momentum to the Hostages in Kashmir campaign.

Mr Wells said he thinks the high profile move will encourage the country to finally get behind the push for the hostages' freedom.

Saturday marks the 600th day since 25-year-old student Paul was seized by Al Faran separatists while trekking in the Kashmir Valley with four other tourists in July 1995.

From Monday, 35 posters measuring 20 by 10 feet will be displayed on billboards across the country including three in Blackburn.

They feature an early picture of the hostages backed by the simple but emotive message: "600 days in captivity" and will be displayed for four weeks.

Mr Wells told me: "We want to hit home with a powerful message which will make people stop and think about the hostages.

"We need to keep pushing home their plight until the situation is resolved. It's a major step which should give us more national awareness and encourage people to give us their support."

The posters have been funded by the Middlesbrough-based Hostages in Kashmir campaign and will be displayed free of charge.

Campaign director James Bowman, whose cousin's husband is the other British hostage Keith Mangan, is confident the posters will have an impact.

He said: "We expect people to call our office and ask how they can help. We'll suggest writing to their local MP, John Major or even the Indian Prime Minister."

Mr Wells returns to Kashmir next month on another fact-finding mission.

The last unofficial sighting of Paul was in November and Mr Wells will be making fresh appeals for information.

He added: "The main problem is with government diplomats and mediators distancing themselves from the situation and people in Kashmir not understanding what is going on.

"This situation should never have been allowed to happen, but we have to play the political game if we are to get proof that Paul is still alive."

A giant 'Free Paul Wells' banner will be displayed across Blackburn Town Hall building in King William Street from Saturday.

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