POLICE searching for a missing 77-year-old man said this morning they had confirmed a sighting of him at the bus station in his home town.

George Bass was last seen by his wife when he left his home in Harrogate at around 11.15am on Wednesday (March 2).

She raised the alarm later that day - during which the area was hit by snow blizzards - when he didn't return home, which is out of character.

It is believed Mr Bass has his bus pass with him.

Until this morning, the last confirmed sighting of Mr Bass was on King's Road, Harrogate, near Sainsbury's, at around 11.34am on the day he went missing. He is described as white, 5ft 4in tall with grey receding hair, brown eyes and a pale complexion.

He was last seen wearing a grey waterproof jacket with a blue fleece underneath, brown trousers, a dark blue hat, dark blue gloves and black shoes.

This morning, North Yorkshire Police said officers have extended their search to Leeds after a confirmed sighting of him at Harrogate bus station. 

Officers believe he boarded a bus bound for Leeds at about 12pm on Wednesday, the day he was reported missing. 

As well as searching the Harrogate area, officers are also focusing their enquiries in the Leeds area and with the bus network.

Officers have reiterated their appeal to anyone travelling on public transport in the Harrogate and Leeds area to contact them if they have seen Mr Bass or know of his current whereabouts. 

A spokeswoman added: "Better still, if George sees or hears this appeal, please get in touch with your family or the police and let us know that you are safe.

"If you pefer, you can call the missing people charity 116 000 in confidence." 

Police are appealing to anyone, including public transport users, who have seen Mr Bass since Wednesday morning or knows of his current whereabouts, to call 101.