AN ARMY of family and friends gathered today to begin distributing more than 1,000 posters, in a bid to track down a missing teenager.

Craig Foreman, 19, has not been seen since the early hours of Saturday, October 26, when he left his home in Denecrest, in the Dene area of Medomsley, near Consett, County Durham.

His distraught father today took delivery of hundreds of posters, leaflets and photographs of the youngster. The family plan to display them in taxis, buses and businesses across Derwentside in the hope that someone will recognise the youngster.

Consett Police, who printed the posters for the family, are also distributing copies.

Detective Chief Inspector Ronnie Vine, who is heading the investigation, said: "The family are obviously very worried about the lad, and they have asked to do this themselves.

"His father is out searching for Craig every day, along with family and friends."

Intensive searches of the countryside in a three-mile radius of Mr Foreman's home -involving police dogs and search and rescue volunteers - have drawn a blank. The police helicopter has also made sweeps of the area, without finding any sign of the missing man.

Experts at Shotley Bridge Hospital were treating him for mental health problems prior to his disappearance. Police believe he has taken his medication with him, but say he could be potentially violent and are warning members of the public not to approach him.

"He was depressed and upset when he left," said DCI Vine.

"He has tried self harm in the past. As time goes by, my initial concern is now turning into a fear that he has hurt himself."

Mr Foreman is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of stocky build, with short ginger hair. He was wearing a light coloured Adidas fleece jacket and black trainers when he left home.

Anyone with information should contact Consett Police on (01207) 504204.