THE father of a Risca man who has not been seen for more than a week has appealed for his son to come home, saying he misses him "so much".

Ron Meredith, of Fflorens Road, Treowen, near Newbridge, is hoping that his 49-year-old son Bryan, who has a history of depression, is safe and staying somewhere with friends. Bryan, a divorcee who lives alone in Risca and works at Bar Foods on the Cwmfelinfach Industrial Estate, has not been seen since April 7.

He was being treated at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, but left before he was discharged.

His father, who is 73, said yesterday that many of Bryan's friends had been asking about him and were worried.

Bryan's 26-year-old son Justin, who is in Australia, and Bryan's older brother Robert, who lives in America, are also said to be extremely concerned.

Mr Meredith told the Argus that he saw his younger son almost every day - and that he was very fond of his two dogs Dawn and Tilly.

Mr Meredith added that his son loved the countryside, fly-fishing and walking the dogs - and was hoping he may have gone to stay with farming friends.

He said Bryan had not taken many clothes with him, only a green jumper with a pheasant picture and a jacket.

He added: "It will be my 74th birthday next week and he has never missed it since he was eight-years-old.

"I am missing him so much. He never has any spite or a chip on his shoulder and always has a joke with people. He is everything to everybody."

Bryan's height is 5ft 11in tall, with short black hair and brown eyes, a brown beard and moustache, and wears glasses.

Anyone with any information should contact Risca police station on 01633 612391.

PICTURE: Ron Meredith at his home near Newbridge