A VITAL witness is being sought by police in the hunt for missing Helmsley woman Barbara Colling.

The man police want to find was driving a dark blue estate car south along the B1257 close to Newgate Bank, on Monday 28 January 2013. A witness has come forward stating that they believe the man driving the car exchanged waves with the woman believed to be 68-year-old Mrs Colling as she walked along the road.

It is not believed that this man has yet spoken to the police.

Insp Andy Everitt, of Malton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am appealing to the driver of the blue estate-type car to come forward straight away as they may be able to give a more precise location as to where Barbara was last seen. I ask them to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass the information to the Force Control Room.”

Police officers will again be out in force this weekend as they continue their efforts to locate Mrs Colling who went missing from her home in Helmsley 12 days ago.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help in the search is asked to meet officers at 8am tomorrow at the Newgate Bank viewing area, which is on the B1257 north of Helmsley.

Insp Everitt said: “I greatly appreciate the time and energy of the volunteers who have already supported the search for Barbara.

“If you can spare even a few hours to help I ask you to join the effort to locate Barbara. Please contact a police officer at the viewing area who will be brief you about where the searches are taking place and how you can help.”