Searches have centred on Tryfan, close to where Mr Whitfield's car was found. Photo: Alex Beamer

Police are appealing for help to find a hillwalker who has been missing for four days.

Christopher Whitfield set off on Sunday to go walking in Snowdonia, but has failed to make contact with his family or friends.

A major search was mounted by three mountain rescue teams, search dogs, police and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley, but there was no sign of the 42-year-old Birmingham man.

His car was found in a layby near Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley. Members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation, RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Team, North East Wales Search and Rescue and handlers and animals from Search and Rescue Dogs Association Wales undertook an extensive search of popular walking and scrambling routes on Tryfan and the Glyderau throughout yesterday, ending at 10.30pm.

The search was due to resume today, for Mr Whitfield, who often goes on solo walks.

The walker’s dark blue Porsche had been in the layby since Sunday afternoon.

North Wales Police said Mr Whitfield will have been appropriately dressed and equipped but those searching are still concerned for his safety and are appealing for help from any other walkers or climbers who may have seen him.

PC Mark Howell-Walmsley of said: “Christopher Whitfield is a fit and healthy man, about 5ft 10ins (1.78m) tall with grey thinning hair and of slim build.

Christopher Whitfield has not made contact since leaving his parents' home on Sunday

“He would have been appropriately dressed for conditions but at this stage we do not know exactly what he was wearing. Mr Whitfield is a regular visitor to the area and often stays in the Bryn Tyrch Hotel in Capel Curig where he had booked to stay this week.

“If anyone has seen him either by his Porsche, on the mountains or in the area of the hotel I would ask they make immediate contact with police”

Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.