The family of a man who has been missing for more than six weeks made a desperate plea for him to return in time for his daughter's 15th birthday.

George Manville, 56, of Tarring Road, Worthing, was last seen by his children and their mother on April 29 after making his weekly visit to them in Queen Street.

Wendy Manville, who married him 20 years ago today, said their six children had suffered a "horrendous" ordeal, specially 14-year-old Kayleigh, who has a mental age of six and finds it hard to understand why she has not seen her father for so long. Despite splitting up from him five years ago, Wendy and he remained close friends.

She and their children, Gary, 20, Emma, 19, Nicola, 17, Steven, 12, Kayleigh and eight-year-old Hannah, are desperate for him to return or get in touch so they know he is safe. And they hope he will return by July 1 to make Kayleigh's 15th birthday extra special.

Wendy, 43, told The Argus it had been especially hard because Nicola and Steven have special needs as well as Kayleigh. She said: "It has been horrendous trying to hold it all together for the children and with Kayleigh - what on earth can I tell her? I can't promise her he will be there for her birthday but I'm telling her I'm trying my best to do it."

George, a gambler, is known to have been depressed and has attempted suicide three times. But Wendy said there was no indication anything was wrong after his last visit.

She said: "He left at about 2pm, saying he was going into town to get some birthday vouchers at the casino he goes to and he would be back later to see the children.

"He was supposed to be meeting up with a friend as well to help him with some gardening but he didn't show up.

"The worrying thing is his money is still in his bank. He's supposed to be taking medication because he does not have a spleen but he left that behind."

The family hoped he might get in touch after his estranged son Jason Manville, 26, of Boundstone Close, Lancing, died after taking ecstacy during a club night in Brixton, London, last month.

Wendy said: "I want him to know we are all missing him - his family and friends. The children love him and want him back. If he's happy somewhere else I just want him to get in touch."

PC Phil Stemp from Worthing police said officers were increasingly concerned because of the length of time Mr Manville had been missing and because he was medically dependent.

Mr Manville is described as white, 6ft and thin with short dark greying hair. He has a tattoo on his left arm saying 'DAFFY'.

Anyone with information should call Sussex police on 0845 6070999.