POLICE have renewed appeals in a bid to trace a man missing from home for approaching a fortnight.

As prolonged wintry weather grips the North-East concern has grown over the whereabouts and safety of 50- year-old John Nelson.

The last known sighting of him was by a neighbour in Highfield Rise, off Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street, at about 11am on Monday, December 28.

He was reported missing by his sister, Kathleen Nelson, who also lives in Chester-le- Street. She has had no contact with him since Sunday, December 27.

Sergeant Paul Hadden, of Chester-le-Street police office, said family and friends are particularly anxious to trace Mr Nelson as he has a condition requiring medication which he does not appear to have with him.

Mr Nelson, described as, “a creature of habit”, was also previously reported to have left home without the spectacles he usually wears.

Sgt Hadden said: “Taking this and the extreme weather conditions into account, we are becoming increasingly fearful for his safety.”

Teams from Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Rescue Service have assisted police in searching the Chester-le- Street area, including local woodland.

Mr Nelson is 5ft 10in, slim, with brown eyes and short, black hair which is thinning.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to call Chester-le-Street police on the force’s non-emergency number, 0345-60-60-365.