An RAF Sea King is helping the serach for the walkers by mountain rescuers

A major search is continuing for a walker who failed to return home.

Police are appealing to walkers and outdoor enthusiasts for sightings of 70-year-old John Rayton who, they believe, went walking in the area around Gisburn in Lancashire.

An RAF Sea King helicopter has now joined the search for the Preston man, along with members of Rossendale and Pendle, Bowland Pennine and Bolton Mountain Rescue Teams.

The search has been going on since the early hours of this morning.

Lancashire Constabulary said they are increasingly concerned for Mr Rayton’s welfare.

He left his home about 8.30am yesterday, Thursday.

A police spokesperson said: “It is thought that John may have used public transport to go walking in Gisburn after first feeding the ducks at the Royal Preston Hospital.”

He is described as being white, 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall, with short mousey hair and was wearing a blue body warmer and blue Ron Hill Striders with a brown Regatta rain jacket and walking boots.

Inspector Bilal Mulla from Preston police said: “Mr Rayton is a man of routine and his wife was expecting him home between 3pm and 5pm but didn’t arrive back and has had no contact with her.

John Rayton

“I would appeal to anyone who has seen Mr Rayton to come forward and contact us immediately. If people are walking in the Gisburn area then I would urge them to look out for John and come forward with any sightings.

“Understandably his wife and family are very upset and want to know that he is safe and well. We have officers supporting them and also out looking for John. We are also being assisted in the search by colleagues from the mountain rescue service.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Lancashire Police on 101.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.