A MAJOR search for a frail pensioner was continuing last night.

William Jones, 89, has not been seen since he left his home in Ferryhill, County Durham, at 4pm on Friday for one of his daily walks.

The retired pitman walks many routes in and around the town, but failed to return to the Derwent Road home he shares with his wife, Janet, 85.

Worried family members searched for Mr Jones, who walks with the aid of a stick, before they raised the alarm at 7pm.

A huge search operation was launched involving an RAF rescue helicopter, 20 police officers, dozens of volunteers from search and rescue teams and trained police dogs.

Last night, the grandfatherof- four had still not been found. His son, Glynn, 60, urged people to keep a lookout for his father. He said: “We are all starting to fear the worst.

He has just disappeared.

“We are having all sorts of thoughts, but just hoping he is okay.”

Inspector Mark Hall, of Durham Police, said officers would not stop searching until he was found.

He said: “Obviously as time goes on our concerns deepen.

“There will be no let-up in our hunt for him. Ferryhill is a small town and many people will know of Mr Jones because of his daily walks.

“By carrying out checks around their homes and gardens, local people can become our eyes and ears.”

Mountain rescuers ended their search for Mr Jones at 1am on Sunday, but remain on standby if more information comes to light.

Dave Bartles Smith, from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team, said: “After reviewing the situation on Saturday evening, we brought in additional searchers from Swaledale, Cleveland and Northumberland mountain rescue teams.

“Despite having over 40 personnel and two mountain rescue search dogs involved in the search and covering a large area, we have not located the missing gentleman.”

Mr Jones was last seen wearing light brown corduroy trousers, light brown jacket, brown shoes and a grey cap.

He is about 5ft 6in. Anyone with information is asked to call 0345-60-60-365.