Police in County Durham are searching for a popular pub landlord who has been missing since the weekend.

Gavin Allinson, 48, the landlord of the Royal Star, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, left the pub with out warning after closing time on Sunday (Feb 29) and has not been seen since.

He was reported missing by Linda, his wife of 21 years, on Tuesday morning and despite numerous enquiries, police have been unable to discover Mr Allinson's whereabouts.

Inspector Kevin Tuck of Barnard Castle police said: "Several days have now passed since Gavin left and we are anxious to track him down as there's concern for his well being. This situation is causing extreme anxiety and a great deal of distress for his family, and we are urging anyone who has seen him or knows anything about his whereabouts to get in touch straightaway."

An appeal for information, circulated to 507 farms and isolated houses in Teesdale, on the police Farmwatch system was also unable to reveal any news.

Known locally as 'Gav', Mr Allinson has run the Royal Star for four years and is well known in farming circles. Prior to taking over the pub he farmed at Spanham Farm, at Scargill, near Barningham, for 10 years. He is also known for his work as a dry-stone waller.

Frank Watson, the secretary of the local dominoes league, said: "You just hope he comes back safely.

"He is a very nice man. He hadn't been at the pub for very long but him and his wife run a nice pub and they were the perfect couple for the job."

Although Mr Allinson had not been himself recently, his behaviour is described as very out of character. He left suddenly in the family car without taking any spare clothing or possessions.

Mr Allinson is described as six foot tall, of medium to large build with grey hair. When he went missing he was wearing a grey shirt with grey trousers and possibly a denim jacket with hooded top. He was driving a black Ford Fiesta, registration J652 GRG.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Barnard Castle police on (01833) 637328.