LIFEBOATS, helicopters and moutain rescue teams are scouring the North Yorkshire coast for two missing men.

The coastguard, RNLI, police, RAF and volunteers from the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue (SRMRT) are all involved in the hunts for York man Ed Machin and Beverley man Nigel Savage.

Mr Machin, 39, has not been seen since he took a taxi to Bempton, in the East Riding, on Thursday, January 23, and yesterday the SRMRT joined the search by scouring arable land at the top of Bempton Cliffs.

The group's Ian Hugill said they had 18 volunteers in the field, while today more volunteers were called to help in the search for missing angler Mr Savage.

The coastguard has also begun helicopter sweeps up and down the Yorkshire shore searching for both men.

Mr Savage, 49, was reported missing in the early hours when he did not arrive home after a fishing trip to Burniston with his two springer spaniels.

Mr Savage’s green Peugeot car was found at around 3.30am in a lay-by at Crook Ness, Field Lane, Burniston and his dogs were found on the clifftops nearby.

His rucksack and some fishing tackle were also found on the cliffs but there is no sign of Mr Savage.

A woman saw the dogs and his rucksack at the scene at around 4pm yesterday, did also not see Mr Savage.

Air Sea rescue have searched the area, but Humberside Police want to hear from anyone who might have information on Mr Savage's whereabouts.

He is white, 6ft tall with a medium build. He is bald with facial stubble and has green eyes. He is believed to be wearing dark Craghopper trousers and a dark outdoor jacket.

Officers want to hear from anyone who saw Mr Savage near Burniston or the cliff tops, or has had contact with him since 8am yesterday.

Mr Machin was first missed when he failed to turn up for work on Monday, January 27, or to log on for a web chat with a friend.

His brother Ben has urged Ed to get in touch, saying: "Ed, I cannot stress how worried we are, please get in touch with us, the police or Missing People. No matter what is wrong, we will find a way to work through it and support you, we just want you back.

“I have been completely inundated with messages and calls asking about you. Everyone wants you back home and back in their lives so please, please call us.”

Anyone who can provide police with information about the whereabouts of either man is asked to call Humberside Police on 101.

The charity Missing People has also joined the case and can be contacted in confidence on 116000.