A NORTH-EAST woman has spoken of the second distressing incident to hit her family in two months.

Margaret Parkin, of Redwing Rising, Guisborough, east Cleveland, is becoming increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of her 82-year-old father, George Winter, who disappeared from his Redcar home early on Monday morning.

It is two months since Mrs Parkin's 28-year-old daughter, Joanne, was killed in a car accident in Dubai.

Mrs Parkin, an only child, says she is extremely close to her father and is distraught at the events of the past few days.

She had flown out to Dubai earlier this week to clear up Joanne's affairs, when she was called back home by her youngest daughter, Kelly, 21.

Mrs Parkin said: "I can't believe it is happening. I am trying to think positively but it is difficult as time goes on.

"I am hoping he has just got lost and is confused and is waiting for someone to come and find him."

Mr Winter was born in Redcar and has lived in the area all his life. He was visited daily by friends or family.

He has lived on his own since the death of his wife, Madge, six years ago.

Mrs Parkin urged anyone with information to get in touch with the family or the police, and to check garden sheds in which her father might be sheltering.

She also appealed for men who walked her father home from the Safeway store, in West Dyke Road, Redcar, on Sunday evening, to get in touch.

Mr Winter was last seen by a neighbour leaving his home shortly after midnight.

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