Ben Needham's family make Greek TV appeal to find him

The family of missing Ben Needham are to make a direct appeal on Greek TV to find him 24 years after he went missing on the island of Kos.

Ben, from Sheffield, was just 21 months old when he vanished on July 24 1991 while on holiday with his mother Kerry and his grandparents.

Over the years there have been a number of possible sightings and a range of theories about what happened to the youngster, who would now be 25.

South Yorkshire Police will also be taking part in the TV show alongside Ben's grandmother Christine Needham and sister Leighanna.

The missing persons show, which translates as Light At The End Of The Tunnel, broadcasts to around 50% of the Greek TV audience and will air between 9pm and 11pm UK time on Friday.

In January, South Yorkshire Police were granted Home Office funding to support the Greek authorities in continuing inquiries to find Ben.

The force asked for the financial help to follow up information the family believes has never been properly investigated.

Despite a number of leads, no trace of Ben has ever been found.

Last year, a DNA test on a young man featured in video footage shot in Cyprus proved negative.

Mrs Needham posted on her fundraising site Help Find Ben Needham today: "As part of the launch of operation Ben I have arrived in Athens this morning with my family and detectives from South Yorkshire Police.

"During our five days here we will be meeting the British ambassador for the first time in 23 years to discuss Ben's case.

"Myself and family along with British detectives will be appearing on the Greek missing programme Nikolouli as well as holding a press conference with all Greek media as well as any British media who would like to attend.

"We sincerely hope this will lead to more people coming forward with new information and will help the British and Greek police investigate into the whereabouts of Ben. Once again we would like to thank you all for your continued support."