POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a man who has been missing from a North Yorkshire hospital for nearly a week.

John Wills, 58, was reported missing at about 6.10pm on Thursday, by staff at Harrogate District Hospital, where he is an informal patient.

He had told staff he was leaving for the day and would return by tea time, but he has not been seen since and is believed to have taken a bag containing his possessions with him.

Police are concerned for Mr Will’s welfare and are appealing for anyone who sees him or who has been in contact with him to get in touch.

He is described as white, about 6ft tall, with a medium build and balding grey hair. He wears glasses, is hard of hearing and speaks with a southern accent.

When he was last seen he was wearing a white T-shirt, a red checked lumberjack shirt with a blue hood and a pair of tracksuit bottoms.

Mr Wills also has two indentations in his forehead from an old injury.

Anyone who can help the police should phone PC Simon Pape on 0845 6060247.