CONCERN is mounting for the welfare of a pensioner a week after the last reported sighting of the frail old man.

Alexander Cromar was reported missing on Wednesday, June 6, but he was last seen by neighbours when he left his home in Jarrow, South Tyneside, on Sunday, June 3.

The 88-year-old keen traveller is white, 5 ft 7ins, and is described as of ‘skinny’ build, with white hair.

He is known to wear either a flat cap or trilby-type hat, but not all the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett, of Northumbria Police, said yesterday: "Mr Cromar was last seen last Sunday and his family are increasingly concerned for his welfare, and understandably want to hear that he is okay.

"He’s not in very good health and takes medication. He can become confused at times and is hard of hearing, and we class him as vulnerable.

"We know that he is well known in the area and that in the past he has travelled to Newcastle, Sunderland and Chester-le-Street, as well as further to places such as Sheffield and Blackpool.

"We’re asking the public to help us find him and would urge anyone who sees him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via the new non-emergency number, 101, and ask for extension 69191.