THERE is growing concern for a teenager who vanished after going to meet friends for a Christmas drink.

David John Young, 19, of Albert Terrace, Middlesbrough, spent Christmas with his mother in Billingham.

She last saw him just after 6pm on Boxing Day when she left him at The Green, in Billingham, near St Cuthbert's Church, where he was due to meet friends.

It is not known if he met them but Mr Young, who works for a local store, failed to return to his mother's home and has not made contact since.

He was reported missing on Tuesday night and police enquiries yesterday drew a blank.

Sergeant Carl Broughton, of Stockton Police,said: "It is obviously a distressing time for his family. All we want to do is make sure he is safe and well. We would ask David, or anyone he is with, to contact police as soon as possible."'

David is 6ft, slim and has dark hair and was wearing a denim jacket and jeans.

The number to ring is (01642) 302226.