THE desperate wait for news is being felt strongly by Ross’s fellow pupils at The Burgate School.

So much so, they have started an awareness campaign on Twitter which had, within hours, reached five million people.

Head teacher David Pover said he had also offered emergency services to mobilise support from the school community to help search for Ross, whom he described as “a bright young man who is academically talented”.

He told the Daily Echo: “He is a modest, gentle student who has settled well in our sixth form at The Burgate with excellent effort and attendance.

“Ross is known for his fitness and ability as a middle distance runner.

“Students have set up #FindRoss on Twitter which has already reached five million people and the school community has offered the emergency services support in the physical search for Ross.

“We are all concerned that Ross is currently missing and remain hopeful for his safe return. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.”