THE mother of a man who has been missing for home for a month has spoken of the family's heartache.

Brian Sturdy, who is profoundly deaf, was last seen near his home in York on Wednesday, February 16, at 6.30pm. He did not have much money on him and only had the clothes he left with.

His mother, Betty Sturdy, 69, said his family had been sick with worry since the 42-year-old left home.

She said: "Four weeks have gone now and I cannot believe no one has seen him anywhere.

"All I want to know is that he is all right. He has never gone missing before, even for the night."

Mrs Sturdy said her son took a nasty fall in the city centre the day before he went missing, and that the police had taken him home.

She said: "The following day, he seemed a bit down with himself. It can be a lonely life being deaf."

He is 5ft 9in, thin, with short brown, greying hair, blue eyes and a pale complexion. He was last seen wearing a green knee-length waterproof coat, blue and white jumper, navy trousers and black boots. Mr Sturdy also has a speech impediment.

Anyone who has seen Mr Sturdy or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call police on (01904) 669552 and ask for the duty sergeant.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police called on the public to check their sheds and outhouses.