POLICE have launched a search for a well-known North-East farmer who has been missing since last week.

Frank Johnson, 55, has not contacted his family since he left his home at West Shipley Farm, near Hamsterley, County Durham, for a meeting on Friday.

His maroon Subaru Legacy car was found outside the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs offices in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, where he attended the meeting on Friday afternoon.

Police said Mr Johnson, who comes from a well-known farming family, had taken his passport, but left no indication of where he might have gone.

He is thought to have recently parted from his wife, Jean. The couple have two children - an 18-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter.

In March, Mr Johnson spoke of his happiness at being able to rebuild his herd after losing more than 1,000 cattle and sheep when foot-and-mouth was diagnosed in March 2001.

Mr Johnson is described as 5ft 5ins with a ruddy complexion, balding with white hair on the sides and back of his head.

Sgt Phil Kell, of Bishop Auckland Police, said: "This is completely out of character for him." He asked anyone with any information to contact him on (01388) 603566.