RESCUERS took part in a huge moorland search in a bid to find a missing Holmfirth man.

Mountain and moorland teams mounted the biggest search ever undertaken in the area on Saturday to try to find Andrew Lawrence, aged 58.

Mr Lawrence, of Holmfirth, has been missing for a week after setting off for a walk on the moors above Holmfirth.

Seventy volunteers searched forest and moorland in the Yateholme area above Holmbridge, near Holmfirth.

The search for Mr Lawrence lasted from early morning until dusk but there was no trace of him.

A total of over nine square kilometres of rough land was searched during the operation by the Holme Valley mountain rescue team, supported by teams from Woodhead, Oldham and the Calder Valley.

The search was a continuation of one carried out by the Holme Valley team last Wednesday, but was in a different area following information from people who thought they may have seen Mr Lawrence.

The teams broke off the search for a short while to rescue an injured mountain biker.

The boy, aged 15, from the Holmfirth area, was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with leg injuries suffered when he fell off the bike.

Peter Phillips, team leader of the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team, said: "It was the biggest search operation I believe has been held in this area, with four teams joining together.

"We had details of possible sightings of Mr Lawrence near to Yateholme, both from builders working in that area and from another walker.

"It is very difficult terrain up there and we covered a huge area, inclu- ding several reservoirs, but could not find any trace of him.

"I have spoken to Mr Lawrence's wife, Dorothy, in a bid to gather more information but we are now hoping members of the public can help.

"I know it can be difficult but we want to hear from anyone who remembers seeing a man who could be Mr Lawrence a week ago.

"It may be a driver, or a shopkeeper, or someone working in the area and we want to hear from them."

Mr Lawrence was last seen last Monday at the Londis shop in Woodhead Road, Hinchliffe Mill.

He had told his wife he was heading for a walk on the moors.

He is described as white, 6ft tall and slim, with a thin face. He has greying brown hair and wears glasses.

He was last seen wearing a waxed brown jacket, jeans and trainers.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0845 6060606.