It has been six months since Stephen Goble vanished without warning and now his heartbroken parents, Colin and Christabel, are desperate for information which can shed light on the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The only clues to the 33-year-old computer programmer's last known movements were those found at a famous beauty spot on the Dorset coast.

The car belonging to Stephen, from Shirley in Southampton, had been found abandoned early last August at a car park near Durdle Door.

His keys were locked inside, along with some clothes, a mobile phone, diary and the black belt judo suit he proudly wore.

Today, for the first time, Stephen's parents, from Portsmouth, have spoken to the Daily Echo in the hope that someone will come forward to finally end the mystery of his whereabouts.

Police have warned that the chances of finding him alive are slimmer each day, but defiant Colin said: "There is no doubt in our minds he is still alive and well.

"If we had something, any evidence to work with, then I'd accept that something may have happened. But there's nothing to suggest that he isn't alive."

Christabel added: "The police have started to ask for Stephen's dental records for checks - I don't need to spell out why. All I want is to know my son is alive and well. Something must have happened to make him disappear - if he needs help all he has to do is ask."

"He may be an adult, but I still love and care for him as if he were a child. I wish something would add up.

"But we can do nothing except sit and wait, and pray that someone recognises his picture in the paper."

Since last August Stephen's bank account has not been used.

Meanwhile his sister, Cathy Kemp, 35, is keeping a diary listing events to do with Stephen, who was a wonderful uncle to her two sons.

In one entry this month she wrote: "We can't grieve because we do not know if he is dead or alive.''

The family were devoted to one another, and enjoyed a wonderful, loving atmosphere.

Detective Inspector Tom Tobin, running the inquiry at Shirley police station, said: "The case is certainly open, but there is now a limit to the positive lines of inquiry we can follow.

"If a body is found we are automatically checking to see if it is Stephen.

"It's possible that he is perfectly well, but doesn't want to be found."

The Missing Persons Bureau said there remains no reason why Stephen shouldn't return home.

* Can you help end the Gobles' agony?

Anyone with any information is urged to call Det Insp Tobin on 08450 454545.

Alternatively, call the National Missing Persons Helpline free on 0500 700 700.