Detectives are reopening their inquiry into the disappearance of a student on Teesside three years ago.

Craig Hetherington, of Guisborough, vanished after a night out with friends in Middlesbrough in February 2003.

Despite an intensive search of the area, appeals and a nationwide alert, there has been no trace of the 22-year-old since he went missing.

Now a seven-strong team is going through all the evidence in a cold case review to see if they can develop any new lines of inquiry.

The University of Teesside student was last seen in the early hours of February 22 close to the Corner House pub in Middlesbrough.

There was a search of derelict buildings, allotments and river banks, and pictures and posters were put up.

He is 6ft 2in tall, with short, light brown hair. He was wearing a black shirt with white checks, collar and cuffs. He also had a silver DKNY watch.

But Mr Hetherington has made no contact with friends or family, and no money has been withdrawn from his bank accounts.

Detective Sergeant Chris Pendlington said: "Craig's mother is still hopeful that one day her son will walk through her door.

"The cold case review is simply to go through all the evidence and work that has been done to see if we are able to develop new lines of inquiry."