THE hunt for a missing North-East pensioner is being stepped up this morning with commuters being asked to help find the 82-year-old man.

George Winter, of Redcar, Teesside, disappeared four weeks ago, and despite extensive searches and appeals, police still do not know his whereabouts.

With the help of British Transport Police, officers will be talking to passengers at Redcar, Middlesbrough and Darlington railway stations this morning, and showing them a picture of Mr Winter.

Officers will be targeting passengers on the trains to try to discover if Mr Winter has travelled outside the area since his disappearance.

Mr Winter was said to be in a confused state when he went missing. He was last seen just before midnight, in Redcar, on Sunday, January 21.

Police have put up posters asking for information about Mr Winter, and have spoken to bus passengers in the town to try to find a fresh lead in the case.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "We are doing everything we can to trace Mr Winter.

"His disappearance is causing great concern and if anyone knows where he may be I urge them to get in touch."

Mr Winter is described as 5ft 5in, thin, with a pale complexion. He has difficulty walking and was last seen wearing a dark green coat, dark brown trousers and black slip-on shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626.