A CAMPAIGN office was launched today to highlight the plight of Blackburn student Paul Wells and his fellow captives in Kashmir.

The move, launched by the wife of Paul's fellow hostage Keith Mangan, has been welcomed by Paul's family.

It is now 458 days since Paul, Keith and their fellow hostages were captured by militant rebels but their families refuse to give up hope that they will one-day be released.

The "free the hostages" office, in Mr Mangan's home town Middlesbrough, will publicise the hostages' plight and raise money for the continuing campaign to have them released.

The Hostages In Kashmir Campaign is being run by Julie's cousin Gary Bowman, who will man the office with the help of a solicitor and an accountant. Paul's mother Dianne learned about the development from Paul's girlfriend Cath Moseley.

Mrs Wells, of Bracken Close, said: "We aim to raise the money to enable us to make contact with the hostages and find out how they are and what has happened.

"Julie has gone about things the right way and the office can only do good."

Julie Mangan said: "Money to run the campaign is important but not as much as people's moral and physical support."

Anyone who wants to help with the campaign can contact the new office by writing to the Hostages In Kashmir Campaign, Independent House, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2ES, telephone 01642 227766.

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