Members of a youth theatre have used their latest play to help in the hunt for missing Hamble youngster, Dan Nolan.

Four members of Oaklands Youth Theatre - based at Oaklands Community School in Lordshill, Southampton - re-enact the events before and after Dan's disappearance.

They hope to tour schools across Hampshire and perform at the National Student Drama Festival in Scarborough next April.

The play, "Dan Nolan - Missing", is written and directed by Oaklands drama teacher, Mark Wheeller. He talked with the Nolan family, Dan's friends and Hampshire police to ensure the script was accurate.

Said Mr Wheeller: "We've got all the local drama festivals in mind and we'd like to reach a national audience. It's been a real mission for me to get this play on."

The piece was performed last weekend. Southampton Mayor Brian Parnell and city council executive member for education, Richard Harris, attended the Saturday evening show at the Oaklands Theatre.

Dan's mother Pauline and sister, Clare, were present for the Saturday performance, and spoke to the Chronicle afterwards.

Said Pauline: "We want as many people to see this play as possible. Unfortunately the one person who can't watch it at the moment is Dan."

Clare adds: "He can see it when he comes home."

The four performers - Darren Harley, Rachel Dennett, Kate Dean and Alex Chalk - rehearsed the play throughout their summer holidays and during weekends.

Rachel Dennett, who plays the part of Clare, said: "It's strange, playing the part of someone in Dan's family, you feel like you know them."

Dan was last seen outside The Victory pub in Hamble at 11.40pm on January 1st this year. Anyone with information should call the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700, or visit www.Dan-Nolan.co.uk.