POLICE searching for a missing pensioner have appealed to the public to be their eyes and ears.

Residents in the Ferryhill and Chilton areas of County Durham are being asked to help try and find Billy Jones, 89.

A total of 65 officers and search and rescue teams are looking for Mr Jones, a former pitman, who has been missing from home since Friday afternoon.

It is believed he left his house in Derwent Road, Ferryhill, for one of his regular walks at around 4pm.

Officers have since received positive sightings of him in the Gordon Terrace area, just a few streets away from his home, at 4.30pm and then 20 minutes later on a path across a field to the south of the street.

Acting Supt Paul Unsworth is urging residents to search gardens and outbuildings thoroughly and to look for him while walking their dogs.

We need as many eyes and ears as possible. It is important that the public are aware that we consider Mr Jones high-risk.

Our search is large scale, we are throwing resources at this and need them to help by raising their game.

They can make a contribution in a tangible way by reporting any information to us as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked tocall Durham Police on 0345-6060365 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800-555111.