POLICE have renewed their appeal for information on a Burnley man who has been missing for two months.

Former milkman Colin Patchett was last seen by his wife, Doreen, when he left their home in Marsden Road, Burnley, to return to the hospital where he is a patient. He only had £2 with him to make phone calls home from the ward.

He was later seen in Back Lane, Colne, late on the afternoon of November 7. Police, the force helicopter and Rossendale Search and Rescue Team scoured the moor near Coldwell Reservoir.

The area has been extensively searched again since, but nothing has been seen or heard of the missing man.

A Burnley police spokesman said: "We are renewing our appeal for information about Mr Patchett's whereabouts.

"Although the worst may have happened, it could be that, for whatever reason, he decided to go off on his own. "There has been no word of him or from him since November 7 and if anyone does know of his whereabouts we urged them to contact us so that we can inform his wife and family.

"They, of course, have had a less than happy Christmas worrying about what may have happened to him.''

Mr and Mrs Patchett used to run a milk round in the Lanehead and Brunshaw areas of Burnley. Mr Patchett is also a former captain of Nelson Golf Club. He latterly worked in security.

The couple have been married for 28 years and have a son, David.

When he left home, Mr Patchett was wearing a light zipped jacket, grey trousers and light coloured shoes.

Anyone has any information about Mr Patchett should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.

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