Concerns are growing for the welfare of a teenager who disappeared after leaving a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Christopher Shaw was last seen in Stockton High Street at 2am apparently waiting for a taxi shortly after coming out of the Zanzibar nightclub.

The 18-year-old, who lives in Thistle Road, Roseworth, Stockton with his parents and older brother, has never gone missing before.

He works as a shipping clerk at Graypen in Billingahm and has failed to show up at work.

On Tuesday night, Cleveland Search and Rescue and police air support unit carried out a four-and-a-half hour search of the route he may have taken to walk home, along Durham Road by-pass, which drew a blank.

A check of nearby railway lines also failed to find any trace. Inspector Eric Robinson, of Stockton Police, said: "This is completely out of character for this young man and there is growing concern for his welfare."

Christopher is 5ft 8ins tall, medium build, clean shaven with short blond hair.

He was wearing a white Lambretta shirt with blue and red stripes on the sleeves, black trousers and black shoes.

It is thought Christopher has no money on him and is wearing the same clothes he was wearing on Saturday night.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.

Earlier this month, 22-year-old Ross Edmond, from Eaglescliffe was found safe and well in North Wales after saying he was going for a paper and then failing to return home.

It is believed he may have been worried about university work and after an emotional appeal from his family as to his whereabouts they were all reunited in Wales.

In his absence his sister Kay had to cancel her wedding which was due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday.