POLICE are urging people to check their gardens, garages and outbuildings as the search for an 89-year-old man County Durham man who went missing on Friday continues.

Former miner William Jones was last seen at 4pm on Friday when he left the home in Derwent Road, Ferryhill, he shares with his 85-year-old wife, Janet.

Three hours later he had failed to return home or make contact with anyone and his worried relatives contacted the police.

Despite searches of the area over the weekend conducted by officers, police dogs and volunteers from the Teesdale Search and Rescue Team, there has been no trace found of Mr Jones.

This morning, Insp Sean Gardiner said there were no further searches planned of specific areas until or unless fresh information came to light.

"In the meantime it would be a great help if local residents could continue to check around their homes and gardens. It is possible Mr Jones may have become confused and taken shelter either in the open or somewhere enclosed, such as a garage or shed.

"Obviously as time goes on the concerns for him can only grow, but we are still hopeful of a positive outcome."

Mr Jones is described as 5ft 6ins tall, with grey hair and when he left his home he was wearing light brown cord trousers, a grey coat and woolly hat.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen the missing pensioner is asked to ring Durham police on 0345-60-60-365.