POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a North-East pensioner who has been missing from his home for more than a week.

Yesterday, Cleveland Police put up posters of 82-year-old widower George Winter in Redcar town centre, in the hope of tracing him.

Mr Winter vanished from his home in the town early on Monday last week. Despite an appeal by close members of his family and a series of intensive searches, involving Cleveland Police, British Transport Police and the coastguard, inquiries have drawn a blank.

On Sunday, coastguards and crew members of Redcar lifeboat swept the area around Huntcliffe, but found no trace of Mr Winter.

Inspector Peter Knights said: "It is hoped the posters, sited in key busy areas of the town centre, will spark someone's memories."

Meanwhile, the search continued yesterday with door-to-door inquiries.

Insp Knights said: "We are continuing to ask people to get in touch if they see him.

"When anyone goes missing we are always concerned, but this time we are really concerned because of the age of the man.

"What we are asking people, particularly living in the Redcar town centre area, is to check sheds in case he has found shelter.

"Anyone who may have seen him or given him a lift is asked to get in touch."

People with information should call police on (01642) 302626