POLICE searching for a missing trainee teacher in North Yorkshire have appealed for the owner of a silver estate car to get in touch.

They have also revealed that information about Nicholas Harper has been circulated to other force areas, including West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Humberside, Durham and Cleveland.

Mr Harper was last seen over a week ago when he left his home address in Pickering, believed to have been heading to his work placement in York but failing to arrive.

North Yorkshire Police say his car was later found at Cowhouse Wood, Helmsley, and searches of the vicinity and the wider area had taken place, due to Nicholas being a keen long distance fell runner - with the latest search taking place today.

"Officers are keen to trace the owner of a silver estate car which was seen parked in the same area where Nicholas’ car was located," said a spokeswoman.

"It is believed this car was parked on the morning Nicholas went missing and also for a couple of mornings beforehand and it may be that the driver has seen or heard something which may assist with the investigation."

Nicholas is white, about 5ft 5ins tall, of stocky build with short dark brown hair and a full beard, and he was last seen wearing a three piece suit and shirt.

"Officers have also circulated Nicholas’ information in other force areas as part of their search to find him – this includes West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Humberside, Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria," she said.

"Officers would like to thank those who have provided information to police so far and continue to urge anyone who thinks they may be able to help with the investigation to contact them.

"Information can be passed to North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 quoting reference number 12190023491."