THE worried daughter of a Colne man missing since he left a wedding party in the middle of a storm today pleaded: "Give me a call, dad".

Police believe Keith Munton, 57, of Birtwistle Avenue, set off to walk home from a workmate's evening wedding reception at the Fence Gate Inn, Fence, on Saturday. He has not been seen or heard of since.

His daughter, Ingrid Beston, of Harrison Drive, Colne, said: "It's totally out of character for him to just disappear and not let me or his work know. He's never done anything like this before. We can't understand what's happened. It's a mystery.

"I'd just say to him 'just get in touch with me and let me know you're all right.' I'm the closest person he's got."

The Lancashire Police helicopter backed by officers and members of Rossendale search and rescue team on the ground have swept the area between the Fence Gate and Mr Munton's home.

The search is continuing and police are getting increasingly concerned for Mr Munton's safety.

Mr Munton separated from his former wife 20 years ago and has lived in Birtwistle Avenue for a similar time. He works as an engineer at Fort Vale Engineering, Nelson. He has another daughter, Karen, in Durham, and four grandchildren.

Mr Munton was last seen in the Fence Gate at 11.20pm. He tried to get a lift home with friends in a taxi but the cab was full. Mr Munton was a keen runner and walker and it was not unusual for him to walk home from nights out.

Police are eager to hear from anyone who may have spotted Mr Munton either getting into a taxi or walking home from the party late Saturday night or early the following morning. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 01282 425001.

Mr Munton is white with a tanned appearance. He is 5ft 2in tall, slim build with short grey hair. He was wearing a blue shirt and light beige trousers.