Concern is growing for the well-being of a popular chef who was once an apprentice at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant.

Kevin Boyle was last seen in Purley town centre on October 12. The 26-year-old has a history of depression and his family and friends are desperate to hear from him.

The talented chef featured on Jamie Oliver's TV programme Fifteen, after making it to the final 30 of 1,500 competitors in 2002.

Last week Jamie Oliver issued a national appeal for the public's help in finding Kevin.

He said: "If anyone knows the whereabouts of Kevin, please do ask him to get in touch. His family and his many friends are worried about him and simply want to hear that he's fine and that he's coming home."

A website, www.findkevin.co.uk has been set up to highlight his disappearance and a celebrities have backed a campaign to help spread the word of Kevin's disappearance on Twitter using #KevinBoyleMissing.

Kevin, who has cooked for former Prime Minister Tony Blair and HRH Prince Charles, is part of the congregation at Purley Baptist Church.

An avid fan of Crystal Palace Football Club, an appeal was broadcast to fans at Selhurst park on October 18.

Friend and Sutton Councillor Peter Fosdike who set up the Find Kevin website, has also asked people from Sutton to keep an eye out for him.

He said: "Kevin in exceptionally popular and much loved by all those around him and has many friends in and around Sutton."

Mr Boyle is 5ft 6ins tall and of stocky build. He has fair hair and a receding hairline and was last seen wearing a white shirt and black trousers.

Anyone with information on Kevin's whereabouts is asked to call police on 020 8649 0258.