THE wife of a North-East tourist who disappeared in the mountains of Spain told yesterday how she clings to the hope her husband will be found alive.

Michael Egglestone, a 52-year-old father-of-four, went missing after going walking in hills near Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, more than a week ago.

Despite daily searches by Spanish police, no trace of the former soldier has been uncovered.

However, Janice Egglestone said: “The search is continuing and we remain hopeful Michael will be found.”

Speaking for the first time since she returned to the family home in Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Wednesday, Mrs Egglestone said: “Michael is an experienced walker and had with him his usual equipment, along with a supply of water.

“The UK and the local authorities were alerted on the evening of Monday, June 1, after Michael failed to meet up and fly back to the UK after seven days hiking in the Jalon Valley.

“The family are extremely grateful for the help and support that they have received from the authorities, both in Spain and here in the UK.

“This is clearly a very distressing time for the family and they would be grateful if their privacy could be respected.”

Mr Egglestone travelled to Benichembla, about 30 miles north of Benidorm, as part of a group of 12 British tourists who rented a villa together.

An experienced and skilled hiker, he went walking each day of the holiday. He was reported missing after he embarked upon what was expected to be his last trek before flying home, but failed to reach his destination.

Police are said to be baffled and increasingly concerned for his safety. Their searches are continuing, although the number of people and officials involved have tailed off.

Fears were raised on Wednesday night when reports claimed Spanish police had found a body in the area. However, sources in Spain and the North-East have told The Northern Echo it is not Mr Egglestone, but a local man.

Last night, a Foreign Office spokesman said the department was keeping in touch with British Consulate officials in Spain, who were assisting the family, but there had been no new developments.