Ben Needham's Mother Makes Emotional Plea

The mother of Ben Needham has made an emotional appeal for help in finding her son who went missing 21 years ago on the Greek island of Kos.

Shaking uncontrollably, Kerry Needham said she was overwhelmed by the commitment of the islanders to the renewed search for Ben.

The 21-month-old Sheffield boy disappeared from a remote spot next to a farmhouse that his grandfather Eddie was renovating.

Ms Needham said she had flown to the island to offer her support to the joint British-Greek operation and to be on standby should anything significant emerge from the reinvestigation.

Clinging to her mother Christine throughout the televised statement, she said: "Coming to the island knowing the search experts are looking for my son was heart-wrenching, but I believe that my son Ben is alive and out there somewhere.

"But I understand this search has to be done. I am still determined to find my son and I make a plea to anyone who has been watching this to come forward and to let me know what happened to Ben and end my family's pain and suffering."

Taking a deep breath she added: "I will never give up the search until I find out what happened to Ben.

"Myself and my family are stronger than ever now and we will do whatever it takes to find Ben and let him know the truth of who he is."

Following the appeal, Ms Needham was led away with a family liaison officer from South Yorkshire Police.

Earlier, the head of the British team, Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick, said the search was progressing well and co-operation between the British and Greek teams was "second to none".

Olive and lemon groves surrounding the farmhouse are being examined and experts have started to use ground-penetrating radar equipment to take readings below ground.

Unpaid search specialists in Kos are also helping. 

Ms Needham said: "When I was told how many people had given up their time searching every day in this heat it overwhelms me and confirms what wonderful people live here on this island."