Missing star's parents refuse £3m

The parents of a missing rock star are refusing to have him officially declared dead even though they could be in line for his £3 million fortune.

It will be seven years next week, on 1 February, since Richey Edwards of the Manic Street Preachers disappeared. It is then possible for his family to get a death certificate and apply for his estate.

But Graham and Sherry Edwards cannot bring themselves to do it. Mr Edwards, 58, said: "We want our son back and not the money. We will never declare him dead. As far as we are concerned he is still alive. We are still hoping and praying that he will return."

Richey wrote the lyrics to many of the band's hits. The other members, James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore have continued to pay his share of the royalties into a trust fund for their friend.

The Manics were formed in the South Wales mining town of Blackwood where Richey's parents still live. He was 27 when he vanished. He checked out of a London hotel and drove to his flat in Cardiff Bay where he left his passport and credit cards. Two weeks later his car was found abandoned at the Severn Bridge. There have been unconfirmed sightings of him as far way as Goa.

Richey once carved the words 4Real into his arm with a razor blade during a radio interview and needed 40 stitches. In 1994 he needed hospital treatment for anorexia and depression. His parents are putting out a fresh appeal in the Big Issue for their son's return.

Mrs Edwards, 57, said: "Until we know for certain what has happened we will always stay hopeful Richard is alive."