A WORCESTER-born man adopted when he was a year old has launched a search for his mother - who he believes still lives in the city.

Simon Hawkins was born to schoolgirl Thelma Elizabeth Hawkins at Ronkswood Hospital, but was brought up by a family in Redditch.

The 32-year-old, whose mother was 15 when he was born on September 29, 1968, has known since he was a youngster that he was adopted.

But it was only a couple of years ago that he started researching his past.

"I applied for a job as a security officer on a cruise ship and they wanted to know my family medical history," said Mr Hawkins, who was brought up as Andrew Simon Martin, and whose real father was in the Army.

"I told them I was adopted and that was all I knew."

Mr Hawkins contacted social services in Redditch, who told him to go into his local social services office in Yeovil where he was living at the time.

"I went in and they gave me a copy of my birth certificate and the history of my adoption, who my mum was and how I came to be adopted," said the father-of-three, who lives in Portsmouth.

"For about three weeks I couldn't read it without crying."

Mr Hawkins, who has had no contact with his adoptive family since his father died eight years ago, said there was "no pressure" on his mother contact him.

"I realise 32 years have passed and I know Thelma Elizabeth Hawkins has moved on with a new life, but I'd really love to hear from her if she can find it in her heart to make contact.

"I'd just really like her to meet my wife and kids," said Mr Hawkins, who married his partner Sandra in June and has three children aged six, 10, and 11.

If you are Thelma Elizabeth Hawkins, or if you know where she is call the Evening News on 01905 748200 ext 279 or Simon Hawkins directly on 07979 395751.