Concerns for missing elderly driver

Police are concerned for an elderly driver missing after setting out for Hastings late this week.

A helicopter was today searching for Alex Binns, 69, who had been house sitting a rural property in Matiere, near Taumarunui and was expected home yesterday.

Relatives called the home owners last night and discovered Mr Binns had left Thursday morning, a day earlier than expected, giving even more cause for concern, police said.

Mr Binns had a full tank of petrol and was expected to drive straight home as he had frozen meat in the car.

His disappearance was completely out of character, police said.

Mr Binns' car was a silver Ford Falcon, registration XB8100.

He is described as European, with grey hair and a solid build.

He would have driven from Taumarunui on SH4 and SH41 to Taupo, then taken the Taupo to Napier highway.

Police want to hear from anyone who has seen him or knows where he is.

- NZPA