SEARCH and rescue teams have scoured two reservoirs in the hunt for a missing former prisoner-of-war who disappeared six days ago.

Volunteers from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue team carried out shore searches of Balderhead and Grassholme reservoirs after the mysterious disappearance of Robert English, 77.

The retired steelworker has not been seen since leaving his home in Station Cottages, Middleton in Teesdale, after popping out to buy a newspaper.

His red Vauxhall Astra was found on an unclassified road that leads to Baldersdale, in an area known locally as Kelton Moss.

Yesterday, the search teams covered ground into Baldersdale and along a section of the Pennine Way between the two reservoirs. Canoes were used to get to inaccessible parts of the lakes.

Mr English's wife, Joyce, and sons Graham and Paul, are said to be extremely distressed about his disappearance.

Hopes of finding him alive are fading.

Sergeant David Steel said the pensioner's disappearance remained a mystery.

He said: "If he had been out in the open for any length of time in this area, which is largely open fell over 1,200ft above sea level, then his chances are minimal."

Today, the Teesdale and Weardale team is planning to join forces with Swaledale volunteers to carry out a search of the 300-acre Brownberry conifer forest next to where Mr English's car was found.

A police spotter plane has flown over it to take photographs to help searchers.

Mr English, who served with the RAF during the Second World War, has a heart condition and difficulty walking.

He is described as 5ft 8in, and weighs 15 stones. He was last seen wearing a green padded Parka-type coat with drawstrings, a black wool hat, black trousers and cream coloured trainers.