A Sussex man is to become the first to feature in appeals for information about missing persons on the backs of lorries.

The National Missing Persons Helpline has teamed up with businesses to feature adverts on their trucks.

Stephen Oram, who disappeared in February, will be the first case highlighted by the campaign. It will be launched tomorrow on National Missing Persons Awareness Day.

Co-founder of the charity Mary Osprey said: "What better way to appeal for vulnerable missing people nationwide than on lorries which travel the length of the UK.

"This is a unique way of reaching out to the public and asking for their help."

About 150 lorries will be involved in the campaign, which will run indefinitely.

Mr Oram, 32, lived in St Leonards and lost his job as a chef just before Christmas.

He was staying with his sister Caroline at her home in nearby Hastings but vanished without taking any clothes or belongings.

Mr Oram was described as "extremely depressed".