A WOMAN has described the agonising wait for news of her missing husband, as police on Teesside renew an appeal to the public for help.

Within hours of the disappearance of keen canoeist John Darwin, searchers found a paddle, followed a week later by the shattered remains of his distinctive red canoe.

Anne Darwin, a doctor's receptionist, watched the sea and shore search from the window of the couple's dream home, which they bought for its commanding view of the sea and beach at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

That was six months ago and there is still no trace of the 51-year-old.

"The view from my window is a daily reminder. This was to be the house of our dreams and I have just got to look out and not dwell on the tragedy," said Mrs Darwin.

She said: "People die, have a funeral, they have a headstone, there is something to mark the fact they existed on this earth. But without a body, I don't know how we can mark John's life.

"All I want is to bury his body. It would enable me to move on. It's difficult to grieve without bringing things to a close, but as it is I'm in limbo and there's nothing I can do.''

Mr Darwin's disappearance sparked a 16-hour search in March, involved six RNLI lifeboats, three inshore boats, a Royal Navy ship, an RAF helicopter and a police spotter plane.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Teams of police, including mounted patrols and coastguard officers, searched the coastline stretching from Hartlepool down to Staithes.''

Police want to trace a wind surfer who was off Seaton Carew on the afternoon of March 21.

They would also like to talk to three men who pulled up in a dark coloured car, similar in size to a Vauxhall Corsa, in a large car park near the golf club, close to a Ford Galaxy. Also, anyone who was on the beach that day is asked to telephone (01642) 302129.