LONG-standing friends of a missing Accrington man have spoken of their concern for a ‘lovely man’ as the search entered its second week.

Trevor Whitehead, 50, has been missing since Wednesday, April 9, with police and Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team members searching the area near his home every day.

Mr Whitehead, who works as a customer adviser at the Barnoldswick branch of the Skipton Building Society, was reported missing last week after he had failed to turn up at work for three days.

Greg Smalley, 37, a landscape gardener, said: “I have known Trevor for more than 30 years and used to live near him in Accrington.

“He has never done anything like this before and it’s totally out of character.

“He is a quiet man and keeps himself to himself but a lot of people know of him in the area.

“Trevor is a very polite and nice man and I know that a lot of people are very worried about him.

“I hope that he is found soon.

“He’s interested in bird watching and is also a keen walker.

“I’m worried for his welfare and I hope this ends soon.”

Police said Mr Whitehead does not own a mobile phone and had not accessed any bank accounts since his disappearance.

A spokesman said they were not certain if he had taken a bag with him, although he had taken a couple of items.

He was last seen wearing either a red waterproof jacket, or a German camouflage jacket, and green wellington boots.

It is believed he may be in possession of a ground sheet.

Writing on Hyndburn Police Facebook wall, Sue Bolton from Baxenden, commented: “I hope that he is found safe and well.

“He was always pleasant and quietly friendly on the occasions when I have bumped into him.”

Nicola Duckworth from Accrington, said: “Let's find him safe and well, and mad as a wasp at all this attention into his very private life.

“He’s a lovely man and one of our oldest family friends.

“We just need to know he’s ok.”

Mr Whitehead is white, around 5ft 7ins, medium build, with a fair complexion and short, grey hair.