THE HEARTBROKEN husband of a depressed 58-year-old mother who disappeared four days ago, today issued an emotional plea: "Please come home."

Fred Ashbolt has not seen his wife Beatrice since he waved her goodbye as she left their bungalow in Waverley Road, Knuzden, Blackburn, at 2.30pm on Friday.

She was going to visit an elderly friend in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn to discuss getting further treatment for her illness.

Her family are now anxious for her to get in touch and police have begun a widespread search for clues to her whereabouts.

"She was made redundant from her job at Prestige in Burnley and it really hit her hard. She had worked there for over 20 years and had many friends. It was a big shock and Beatrice found it very hard having time on her hands," said Mr Ashbolt.

"She has been suffering from depression for about 12 months. She was taking anti-depressants and was toying with the idea of further treatment at Queen's Park Hospital." Police concern for her safety is also growing. Inspector Stuart Coates, of Lancashire Police, said: "It is possible that Mrs Ashbolt became confused and disorientated. She could still be wandering around and we urgently need to hear about any sightings." The Lancashire Police Helicopter, which is fitted with a heat sensitive camera, was drafted in to sweep the Knuzden area yesterday.

The underwater search team took over today. They are concentrating on the delph off Stanhill Road and the lodge at Knuzden Brook.

Volunteers from Rossendale Mountain Rescue are also helping with the operation.

Mrs Ashbolt, who has a son, a step daughter, two step sons, and a baby granddaughter, is slim, with a pale complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair which is grey at the sides, short and permed.

She wears glasses and was wearing beige leggings, beige flat shoes, a turquoise and blue three quarter length mac style jacket, and was carrying a white shoulder bag.

Mr Ashbolt added: "We have been married for nine years and do everything together."

Anybody with information can contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or any police officer.

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