POLICE are asking the public to help in the search for an 82-year-old man who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Gordon Wilson, who has vascular dementia, was last seen by neighbours at about 11am on Sunday, October 25.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Essex Police officers, firefighters from Halstead Fire Station and specialist Essex Lowland Search and Rescue volunteers combed the river walk and wooded area, plus the Box Mill plantation, off Butler Road in Halstead.

Police believe Mr Wilson, from Leaden Roding in Great Dunmow, took a small amount of cash and some medication and got on the number 59 bus from Leaden Roding to Chelmsford Bus Station.

He then used his bus pass to board the number 352 First Bus service to Halstead at 12.30pm on October 25.

Volunteers should meet at midday on Thursday in the car park in Butler Road, at the junction with Trinity Street for a safety briefing.

Volunteers will be responsible for their own safety, they should bring appropriate walking and wet weather clothing and carry a mobile phone. They will be searching fields and woodland.

Children, ill or infirm people and dogs will not be allowed to be involved in the search.

Volunteers should bring food and drink to cover lunch.

Braintree district commander Chief Inspector Richard Melton said: "We are now focusing our efforts on the last confirmed sighting of Mr Wilson being in Halstead.

"I am appealing for members of the public to be vigilant and to contact us immediately if they see him.”

Mr Wilson’s daughters Lesley Rankin and Gillian Wilson said: "Our dad is very loved, not just by us but also by his three devoted grandchildren.

"We just want him back as soon as possible. We ask everyone to please keep looking out for him.

"Our dad visited Halstead with our mum many years ago and it’s possible he’s come back here to re-live happier times.

"He may have gone strolling in the lovely countryside because it reminds him of his late wife.”

Mr Wilson is known to enjoy long walks and his ill health means he can become confused and have difficulty speaking.

Mr Wilson is 5ft 11 in tall and of medium build with grey thinning hair.

He wears glasses and was last seen wearing a sports jacket which is either checked or navy and usually wears a short tie and a jumper.

Anyone who sees him should call 101 urgently.