A full-scale search for a missing dog walker is widening today as police grow increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Alan Nichols, 47, left his home in Whitstable at 6pm on Thursday to take his dog for a walk but never returned.

Police were alerted as fears for his safety grew and are now expanding their search to find him after scouring West Blean and Thornden Woods since early Friday morning.

Specialist rescue teams and police dogs have been brought in to help with the search, which has also stretched to various parts of Herne Bay and Whitstable.

Mr Nichols's dog was found in his car, parked in a small car park next to the woods.

Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) bike teams had been out since 4am on Friday, riding the trails through the woods, hunting for any sign of the missing man.

Speaking on Friday, Stewart Baird, from KSAR, said the bike teams had covered about 40km, but added thick vegetation made going difficult in places.

"It's very thick woodland, impenetrable in parts, and this is adding to the time it's taking to conduct the search," he said.

"We've been going since about 4am and we have conducted a thorough search of the areas, and unless we find him we will be back out tomorrow.

"It's been wet this evening but it's not cold - it's only going down to about 13c tonight so we're not too worried about the weather."

Three KSAR dog handlers were also searching the woods along with five more teams on foot.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen Mr Nichols to call 101, quoting incident reference number 12-089.

He is described as having a stocky build, with short brown hair, and was thought to be wearing a light-coloured shirt and light-coloured jeans.