A GROUP of anglers are planning a fundraising day for a man who is still missing after a fishing trip.

Members of the website Fishing Forum are holding out hope for the safe return of fellow member Austin Miller, but have said they are being realistic about his disappearance on Saturday.

Ashley Moore, 28, of The Rundels, Benfleet, is organising the day with other anglers from the Fishing Forum.

Mr Miller, who disappeared when he was alone on his 22ft boat, was a recent member of the forum and had already made several friends on the website.

Despite a police and coastguard search Mr Miller, 57, of Meadow Road, Benfleet, has not been found.

The group is planning the event to be held at Wallasea Island near Rochford, close to where Mr Miller went missing.

Mr Moore said: “Austin had only joined the forum in the last few weeks, but he has already been talking to other members about fishing.

“We have done a lot of things for other forum members up and down the country, but when something happens in your backyard you really want to do something for them.

“At the end of the day we are all fishermen and it’s sad these things happen, so we want to raise awareness about it.”

Entry to the day will be £10 per person for fishing all day, while the group is also auctioning off boat rides to raise money for charity.

It will take place on March 28, which will mark a month since Mr Miller was reported missing.

Mr Moore said the group was hoping to get in touch with Mr Miller’s family and would like to raise the money for a charity of their choice.

More information will be posted about the fundraising day at www.worldseafishing.com/ forums