Police in Bolton have made a direct appeal to a missing pensioner to get in contact with his family.

John Nuttall, 74, of Higher Wilson Farm, High Rid Lane, Lostock, was last seen by his family at his home address shortly after midnight on Monday.

Later that morning John parked his blue Ford Focus at the junction of Foxholes Road and Georges Lane, Horwich, and walked off.

It's believed he may then have been spotted stood by the car at around 7am the same morning.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for John due to his age and vulnerability and are also appealing for the public's help in tracing him.

Inspector Mohammed Razaq of Bolton police made a direct appeal to John. He said: "We simply want to know that you are safe and well. You are not in any kind of trouble, but we need to know you haven't come to any harm.

"We are urging you to get in touch so you can come home."

John is white, 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build, grey receding hair and usually wears glasses. When last seen he was wearing beige cord trousers and a blue and white checked shirt.

Greater Manchester Police and the Bolton Mountain rescue team searched the Horwich area on Monday and resumed the hunt yesterday.

Officers have also distributed leaflets appealing for information in the Horwich area.

Anyone who knows of Johns' whereabouts is asked to phone Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5740 or 0161 872 5050.