SEARCH teams have been combing the countryside in a hunt for a former miner who went missing from his home in County Durham more than ten days ago.

Edward Donnelly, 52, was last seen on March 25 at the home he shares with his sister in Fynway, Sacriston, near Durham City.

At lunchtime the same day, a friend of the family spotted Mr Donnelly walking by the A167 near the Red Lion pub, at Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Yesterday, a police helicopter carried out several sweeps of the railway line between Durham and Chester-le-Street, but failed to spot the missing man.

At the same time, 15 members of the Wear and Tees and North and Tyne rescue teams joined police as they searched the verges of the A167 between Chester-le-Street and Pity Me, north of Durham.

Late yesterday, they switched their attention to fields near the minor road between Plawsworth Village and Cocken Lodge, near Finchale Abbey.

It is thought Mr Donnelly has often visited the Finchale Abbey area over the years.

Last night, canoeists began a search of the River Wear from Finchale Abbey to Lumley, near Chester-le-Street.

If that failed to yield any clues, the team planned to resume its search tomorrow morning.

PC Andy Howes, who is co-ordinating the search, said: "The hunt for Mr Donnelly is being concentrated in the area where he was last thought to have been seen.

"We would urgently request anyone who may have seen this man to contact us as soon as possible, because his family are very worried."

Mr Donnelly is about 5ft 8in and of proportionate build. He has a pale complexion and mousy brown hair, which was cut in a short back and sides style.

He wore a three-quarter length, dark green, hooded wax jacket, a beige shirt and a grey, orange and black jumper, black jeans and black Umbro trainers.

Police said he usually walked with his hood up, his hands in his pockets and his head bowed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chester-le-Street police, on 0191-388 4311.