POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a missing businessman.

Richard Joseph Laybourn, 67, was last seen by his wife at about 5am on Friday morning at the home they share in Cotherstone, Teesdale, County Durham.

Mr Laybourn is described as 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build, with short grey hair and of tidy appearance.

He wears glasses and is listed as the director of Teesdale Surfacing Ltd, a paving contractors based in nearby Barnard Castle.

PC Garry Dunn, based at Barnard Castle, said: "We would appeal for anyone with information regarding Mr Laybourn's whereabouts to contact us.

"He requires regular medication and we don't know if he has that with him.

"Obviously the longer he is without that medication the greater the risk to his health.

"We are very concerned about his well-being and would urge him to get in touch with us to let us know he is safe and well."

Anyone who has seen Mr Laybourn since his disappearance or who has any information that could help police should contact the Barnard Castle office on 0345-6060-365.