I am writing in the hope that people in and around Dorset may be able to help me with my plight.

Since 2007 I have been searching for my father Malcolm Bates, whom I have never known or seen. My mother told me his name that year before she died.

I have found out quite a lot of things – that he formerly came from Halifax, and that he worked in the hotel industry organising events.

In 1985, he married Hazel C Bates, nee Roberts, in Romsey.

He was born in 1940 which would make him 74, and he has resided in the Christchurch/ Bournemouth area since the mid-eighties.

I met up with his step brother Michael Phelan and he gave me some photos in which I saw a striking resemblance to myself.

I would be grateful for any information on the whereabouts of either of them.

Please contact me on 07505 689385 or email me at antonyspeight118@gmail.com

ANTONY SPEIGHT Silver Birch Grove, Wyke, Bradford