Police are fearful for the wellbeing of a missing man who contacted his children a week ago, but has not been heard of since.

Paul Jefferson vanished from the tent he had been living in on the fells above Keighley on March 3.

Last Wednesday he left a hand delivered letter to his two youngest children - Toni, 13, and her brother Mick, 15, - at their home in Wyke, Bradford.

The family, including his cousin Caron Callaghan of Thornton, Bradford, made an emotional appeal in the Telegraph & Argus for him to come home.

Police have called in experts to examine the handwriting in the letter in which Mr Jefferson, 38, a jobless window fitter, had wrongly spelled the Christian names of both Toni and Mrs Callaghan.

The family is convinced the letter was from Mr Jefferson and are anxious about his mental state.

"We have heard nothing since the letter and are still very worried about him," said Mrs Callaghan.

"He made those spelling mistakes which is easily done if you're not in the right frame of mind."

Mr Jefferson, 38, had lived in the tent in woodland near Ponden reservoir, Stanbury, Keighley, since October last year.

He is understood to have lost 3st in weight and left behind the blue hire car he was using, car keys and other personal documents.

Keighley Detective Inspector Bob Iles said: "We are having the letter examined to confirm that it is his handwriting.

"When he was last seen people described him as acting in a strange manner and depressed.

"I'm satisfied he wrote the letter but he sounds to be in a poorly state and we are concerned about his welfare.

"He needs to make contact with us so we know he is safe, even if he wants that contact to be in confidence."

Police have already combed the moorland and swept the area in a helicopter and divers have searched the reservoir.

Mr Jefferson, who was divorced, was living in a house in Foston Lane, Bradford, with his 20 year-old son Andrew Halliday before he went missing.

His letter was apologetic and he told his children not to worry about him because he was alright.

Police are urging him to telephone them on Keighley on 01535 617059.

e-mail: clive.white

@bradford. newsquest.co.uk