A HELICOPTER and mountain rescuers are today searching Scafell Pike for a missing walker.

Police are concerned for the welfare of James Lonsdale, who was last seen on Tuesday at 6.30am at his home address in Selby.

However, the 53-year-old's vehicle has been located at Wasdale Head.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, search dogs and an RAF helicopter scoured the area last night and today.

Mr Lonsdale is described as being of medium build, clean shaven and having short light-brown hair.

He is 5ft 4inches tall, has blue eyes and may be wearing glasses.

Detective Inspector Ian Harwood said: "I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen someone matching the description of the missing person to get in contact.

"I would like to appeal to all accommodation venues in the local area, particularly within the valleys surrounding the central fells of the Lake District to make contact with Cumbria Police if a man matching this description has booked in or been seen."

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team with the assistance of six other Lake District mountain rescue teams, search dogs from SARDA and a seeking helicopter from RAF Valley in North Wales have been involved in the search.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police immediately on 101.