The family of missing man Paul Harley is appealing to people from Dumbarton and the Vale to join a search group this Sunday for the father-of-three.

Paul, who lived in Bellsmyre, has been missing for around two and a half years.

The grandfather was last seen leaving his Whiteford Avenue home on September 28, 2014. At that time he was age 53.

His son, Paul Harley junior, 34, told the Reporter this week: "We have done around 50 searches now but we haven't found anything yet. It has been almost two and a half years but we still hope to find him."

A 15 year old missing woman case from the capital recently gave Paul hope.

Louise Tiffney was last seen leaving her home in Dean Path in Edinburgh on May 27, 2002.

On Sunday, April 2, human remains were found near the entrance of Gosford House, a stately home in Longniddry, East Lothian, at around 6.30pm.

Paul added: "Reading about that case gives you hope. It can happen.

"We just need to keep looking.

"We can't sit and wait for the police to come to our door with news.

"So many people have helped us since we started searching but we still need their help."

Mark Casey, from Bonhill, is coordinating the search locally.

He said: "We will be searching Renton footpaths, Kipperoch Road and quarry, the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate area and, if we get enough people, the forrest at transmitter. Depending on progress, we may expand further on the day."

Mark added that if people can't make it down on Sunday, the search group is also seeking broom handles and the use of a drone, to enable them to gain a greater vantage point of the search area.

Paul, a Network Rail worker, moved from Coatbridge to Dumbarton eight years ago.

He coached at Dumbarton United Amateur Football Club and also enjoyed tending to his plot at Bellsmyre Community Garden.

Paul is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He has black receding hair, green eyes and the word ‘Kyla’ tattooed on his right arm.

If you wish to take part in the April 9 search, please meet at Renton railway station at 11am.

All those aged 18 and over are welcome to take part in the search.

Paul's family has asked the public to remain vigilant for any trace of the missing man when they are in the outdoors locally.