A young man from St Albans has been missing for almost a month.

James Smith, 20, disappeared on September 24 and was last seen in the Hatfield Galleria at around 10.30am.

His mother, Catherine Smith, said: “We are very worried as it is unlike him not to be in contact at all. We are hoping he is simply taking some time for himself.

“We would just like to know that he is ok, he is not in any trouble at all.”

Mr Smith was last seen wearing a brown hoodie (pictured) with long blue beach shorts with a blue and white flower print and Nike trainers. He was also carrying a purple Adidas rucksack.

Ms Smith took to Facebook to spread the awareness in a post that has now been shared nearly 30,000 times.

Anyone with information about Mr Smith has been asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.