POLICE have turned to an artist to create a face for a man who has gone missing.

Chester-le-Street police hope new information may come to light in their search for County Durham man Edward Donnelly after calling on the police artist to create a likeness of his face.

Mr Donnelly, 52, was last seen at the home he shares with his sister at Fynway, Sacriston, on March 25.

Searches by police and Weardale and Teesdale Search and Rescue team failed to shed any light on his whereabouts.

The vital step of circulating a photograph, in the hope of jogging people's memories, was not possible, as Mr Donnelly disliked having his picture taken.

Now, police have created their own picture, after an artist copied and "aged" old family photographs.

The resulting drawing has been printed on posters, which have been circulated to libraries and shops.

Sergeant Rob Pollard, of Chester-le-Street police, said yesterday: "Mr Donnelly did not like having his photograph taken and all the pictures are about 20 years old."

The disappearance of the former miner is said to be totally out of character and has caused great concern.

Inspector Dave Marshall said: "We are obviously hoping that whoever sees the photograph may well put two and two together and think 'I have seen that bloke' and bring it to a happy conclusion.

"That is about as much as we can do at the minute. The local area has been searched thoroughly."

Anyone with information about Mr Donnelly is asked to ring Chester-le-Street police, on 0191-388 4311.