A charity is hoping volunteers can help raise awareness of missing people at an event this week.

Missing People is appealing for volunteers to help distribute posters and invite people to sign up to the charity’s email alerts when it comes to Walthamstow on Thursday.

The Met had 49,252 reports of missing people in 2010/11 and the charity hopes someone might recognise one of the young people who have disappeared in neighbouring boroughs.

They include Alexander Prosper, who was 43 when he disappeared from his home in Walthamstow on April 24, 2006.

His car was found in Berwick, Northumbria, but his family have never heard from him.

Mr Prosper, also known as John Asreal, is 5ft 8in tall with short, black hair and brown eyes.

He wears glasses and was known to busk with his guitar.

He can call the confidential service Message Home on Freefone 0800 700 740 to leave a message letting his family know he is safe.

Appeals for information on Mr Prosper and others like him will be made at the event outside Walthamstow Central Library in High Street, in two sessions from 10.30am until 1.30pm and from 2.30pm until 5.30pm.

Beth Knebel, Missing People local area coordinator for London said: “It is great to be out working within such active communities again and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to reach so many people.

“It’s very important to distribute posters and encourage people to sign up to our alerts and join the search, but we also want the public to know that anyone affected by a disappearance can call us for free on 116 000 for advice and support.

“We welcome new friends and fellow campaigners, and are really looking forward to the day.”

People hoping to volunteer can contact Ms Knebel on Beth.Knebel@missingpeople.org.uk.

A spokesman added: “Missing People provides free 24-hour confidential support on the number 116 000 for anyone affected by a disappearance.  The charity provides help and advice by phone, email, text and online, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“If you would like to help us support missing people and their loved ones, give £3 by texting SEARCH to 70990. Donations will cost you £3 plus your usual network rate. The charity Missing People will receive at least £2.93 of this amount.”