Concern is growing for the 81-year-old, who was reported missing from his home in Church Street by neighbours on Sunday 8 July 2012, although by then there had been no contact with him for two days.

An extensive search of the Ellesmere area involving officers on foot, police dogs and the force helicopter has been taking place and the North East Wales Search and Rescue Team has now joined officers.

Posters appealing for help in finding Mr Ashton have also been put up across the town, with officers in the process of widening the coverage to surrounding villages such as Whittington and Welsh Frankton.

Police Constable Paul Crump, Local Policing Officer for Ellesmere, said Mr Aston’s family was extremely worried for his welfare.

“It has been five days now since anyone had any contact with Mr Ashton and there are high concerns for his wellbeing,” he said.

“He had recently been behaving in an increasingly erratic manner and has gone missing before, although he was found quickly and reunited with his family.

“He is believed to have left on foot as his car is still at home and our search is continuing across the Ellesmere area, now with the added resources and specialist expertise of the North East Wales Search and Rescue Team.

“To anyone who may have seen him, he is an elderly man who may have appeared confused or somewhat distressed. His family is desperate to have him home safe.

“Mr Ashton is not believed to be very mobile so may have sought shelter from the wet weather over the weekend and I would urge people to check any sheds or outbuildings they may have just in case.”

Mr Ashton is white, about six feet tall, with a slim build, grey hair and beard. He wears glasses and is likely to have been wearing a blue jumper and light-coloured trousers.

PC Crump added: “If anyone has seen Mr Ashton or an elderly man who may match the description in the past few days, please can you contact police as a matter of urgency on 101 or 0300 333 3000.”