The family of a pensioner who has been missing for three months have made an emotional appeal for his safe return before Christmas.

Brian Smart, 85, was last seen at his home around 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 22. Despite an extensive police investigation, there has been no trace of him since.

His son, Mark Smart, is now appealing for anyone who knows of his whereabouts to come forward and contact police.

The 53-year-old said: "We miss Dad more and more each day and with Christmas approaching we will miss him more than ever. We are desperate to find out anything about his disappearance, however big or small.

"It's been three months since my Dad went missing and me, and all of the family, are beside ourselves with worry. We hope that Dad is safe and we just want to know what has happened to him. It would be the best gift if we could have him home this Christmas.

"Anyone who has any information that may shed light on what has happened to my Dad, please contact the police."

CCTV footage of Mr Smart at Bluewater

Officers searching for Mr Smart have conducted extensive enquiries around the places he is known to frequent in Dartford, Bluewater shopping centre, Bexleyheath and Bostall Woods in Greenwich.

CCTV of Mr Smart at Bluewater the day before he went missing has been released but has not led to any confirmed sightings.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Balcombe of Greenwich missing persons unit said:"Every day that goes by without any news of Brian must be agony for his family. Officers have been working tirelessly to find him - this work has involved scouring CCTV and using specialist search teams, dog units and the police helicopter.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen Brian to please contact my team - your information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us find him."

Mr Smart, who is from Abbey Wood, is a white man, 5ft 7inches and of medium build. At the time of his disappearance he was generally fit and well for his age.

It is believed at the time he went missing he was wearing a beige / cream jacket which is featured in the CCTV footage taken the day before he disappeared.

He walks with a stick and has no money or Oyster Card.

Anyone with information is asked to call police in Greenwich on 07770 825571/ 02082847713/12 or the police non-emergency line 101.