POLICE are re-appealing for information to help find 81-year-old Derek Pontin who has been missing from his Blackwood home since Thursday November 7th.

Mr Pontin was last seen on Bridge Street, Blackwood between 3.30pm - 4pm on Thursday 7th by a family friend. He is white, 5ft 8 in tall, and of slim build. He is bald and was last seen wearing a trilby hat, a khaki coloured coat and carrying a rucksack.

He is very interested in nature and is known to walk and roam in the countryside around the Blackwood area. Officers are concerned about Mr Pontin’s welfare due to his age and the current cold and wet weather conditions.

Mr Pontin's family are very concerned for his welfare and would like to people to know that he is hard of hearing and that if he is seen people will have to approach him instead of shouting out to him as he wont hear them. They have made the following appeal:

‘We desperately need your help to find a loving brother and uncle. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and sensitivity of Blackwood Police, the general public and neighbours. We would respectively ask everyone if they would be even more vigilant. Our Uncle is kind, deaf and vulnerable and the family are getting more and more concerned as the days go by. Your help and many pairs of extra eyes would enable our search to reach its potential. On behalf of the family, may we take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your generous help, co-operation and kindness at this time"

Anyone who has seen Derek or has any information relating to his whereabouts is asked to call 101 quoting LOG 379 7/11/13.