SOLDIERS were mobilised to join police in the hunt for a vulnerable missing man.

Around 40 members of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, from Clive Barracks at Tern Hill, joined police from Staffordshire, Cheshire and West Mercia in searching for Gordon Beard yesterday.

The 79-year-old, who suffers from dementia, went missing from his home in Kestrel Drive, Loggerheads, at 10am on Tuesday.

And police with dogs and a helicopter went into the second day of their search yesterday after Tuesday's door-to-door enquiries and the distribution of hundreds of missing person appeal leaflets drew a blank.

Officers worked on reports of a possible sighting of Mr Beard at the Chetwode Arms, in Pipe Gate, at around 12.45pm on Tuesday, as well as following up other leads.

The missing man is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, well built with grey hair.

He was wearing a cream shirt, black trousers, walking boots and carrying a walking stick.

Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, from North Staffordshire division thanked the soldiers for their help.

And he added: "Mr Beard suffers from dementia and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare."

Call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55 or, in an emergency, dial 999.