FAMILIES in Poland and Canada last night made a heartfelt appeal for a missing North-East man to get in touch.

Having read of his disappearance on The Northern Echo's website, the friends John Pedelty made in Poland while a student in the 1960s now wish to repay a long-held "debt of gratitude".

They want to offer the former town planner the same support and help he showed to them 40 years ago when Communist Poland was shut off from the West.

Maria Kozakiewicz, 57, who now lives in Canada, met Mr Pedelty, 59, when she worked as a tour guide in Poland.

He visited Cracow with a group of town planning students from Leeds University.

They kept in touch and Mr Pedelty, from the Eldon area of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, made a number of visits to Mrs Kozakiewicz and her family in Warsaw over the next 15 years.

She said: "He was the gentlest and most considerate person on earth. He never embarrassed us by lavish presents or offers of major financial help and it was such a relief to be treated as equals in all aspects.

"John knew what really mattered. He would send me and my sister, Magda, daily papers, lovely cards, bits and pieces of the normal world we thought we would never see."

Having read about Mr Pedelty's disappearance after he walked out of Darlington Memorial Hospital on November 11, the sisters are concerned for him.

Police have warned that he is vulnerable and may be in need of medication.

They are desperate for him to get in touch as Mrs Kozakiewicz's sister wants to care for Mr Pedelty in Poland, something she discussed with him in September.

Mrs Kozakiewicz said: "We have a huge debt of gratitude for his past kindness. He became part of our family over all of those years and you do not leave your own in need,"

Mr Pedelty disappeared while wearing grey jogging trousers, a mustard-coloured anorak and trainers.

Police are extremely concerned for his welfare. Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681.