THE family of missing pensioner Billy Jones has made a heartfelt appeal for help to trace their “loving dad”.

Grandfather-of-four Mr Jones has been missing from his home in Derwent Road, Ferryhill, County Durham, since Friday afternoon.

Durham Police said the 88-year-old may have been overcome by the weather, fatigue or illness, become lost or taken shelter.

Mr Jones’ son, Glynn, 60, who also lives in the town, said the family was trying to remain positive, but admitted he was losing hope of him being found alive.

He said: “Dad never went missing in his life – he has been gone since Friday. A man of his age cannot just disappear.

“We just want him found, we all need answers.”

Daughter Jan Johnson, 47, of Spennymoor, County Durham, said: “Someone must have seen him. He was always out and about and he would say hello to people. Just think about Friday and the days since. He took the same routes most of the time, but for some reason on Friday he took a different route.

“Anyone who knows anything, please help.”

Mrs Johnson said her father was a loving and affectionate family man who would not intentionally worry his family.

She said: “If we are alright, he’s alright. We thought he would come home Friday night; that someone would bring him home.

“He has just disappeared, we need to know where.”

Mr Jones’ wife, Janet, 85, to whom he will have been married for 67 years on Saturday, said he went for a walk at about 4pm on Friday as he often did.

The family became worried when he had not returned within an hour and, after searching his usual routes, called police at 6.50pm.

Since then, officers and volunteers from search and rescue teams have scoured the area.

The search originally focused on the northern part of the town, but switched to open land to the south after reported sightings placed Mr Jones near Gordon Terrace, in the opposite direction to his usual path.

Officers also checked the former Dean and Chapter and Mainsforth Colliery sites, where he worked.

As many as 100 people have been involved in the operation along with search dogs, RAF Boulmer’s Sea King helicopter and Transport Police.

Chief Inspector Vicki Martin said: “We are doing as much as we can in the area and need the public’s support.”

Acting Superintendent Paul Unsworth urged Ferryhill residents to search gardens, sheds, outbuildings and garages and for walkers to be observant.

He said: “We need as many eyes and ears as possible. It is important that the public are aware that we consider Mr Jones to be high-risk. We are making a sustained and determined effort to find Mr Jones.”

Mr Jones is 5ft 6in, usually walks with a stick and when last seen was wearing a grey woollen hat, beige coat and brown cord trousers. Anyone with information is asked to call 0345-60-60-365 or 0800-555-111.