AN appeal has gone out for a North-East man to contact his sister in Australia who is dying from a brain tumour.

Jennifer Foster has lost touch with her brother Charles, who was living in County Durham when she last heard from him.

Charles Foster, 52, was born in Peterlee or Shotton Colliery, is believed to be married to Joy, and has a daughter, Louise, who will be aged about ten.

He used to work for American company Bendix as an electrician or engineer, but his current employment is unknown.

He is also known to have done some work in Saudi Arabia and when last heard of was living in Butterwick Court, Newton Aycliffe.

Parents Catharine and Arthur Foster, who both lived in the region, died some years ago.

Sister Jennifer's married name is Reeves, she is married to George, and has two sons, called Rod and Bradley.

Friend of the family Mario Difiore said: "Jenny has moved around a lot in Australia over the years and now lives in South Australia.

"But she's been really sick over the last couple of years and we don't know how long she has.

"She does want to see her brother, but we haven't been able to contact him."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mario by phone on 00 61 242 252555, by post at PO box 5428, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.