POLICE today appealed for help in finding a missing 63-year-old Darwen man who may be in the Bolton area.

James Joseph Gillespie was last seen on a bus between Darwen and Blackburn on Tuesday, July 25.

Mr Gillespie, who speaks with an Irish accent, is thought to be wearing dark corduroy trousers, a dark suit-type jacket and a shirt and tie. He may also have a dark flat cap.

It is thought he has friends in Bolton town centre and in Farnworth.

Inspector Tracie O'Gara said: "Mr Gillespie is a well-travelled man and has been known to journey all over the North of England and Scotland regularly.

"However, he usually packs his belongings and says goodbye to people before he goes.

"This time he has taken no food or clothing and he has not collected any benefits since July 25 so we don't think he has any money with him.

"We are very concerned about him and would like help to try to track him down."

Mr Gillespie has lived in the Lancashire area on and off for the past 15 years and had been staying at a hostel in Darwen before his disappearance.

He is 5ft 10ins and slim.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at Darwen on 01254 701777.