Search teams admit they are "running out of information" and have suspended their hunt for an elderly woman who went missing on New Year's Day.

Hundreds of police officers and volunteers have spent more than 1,500 hours scouting vast areas around the home of 81-year-old Gloria Stringer from Hollingbourne.

She was last seen in the Hospital Road area at around 11.30pm on Monday, January 1.

Mrs Stringer, who lives with her husband, is described as being very capable, fit, and healthy, and was known to be fond of walking but could sometimes become confused.

One theory held by investigators is that Mrs Stringer may have tried to take shelter during storm Eleanor, which hit the county at the start of the month.

Stewart Baird, search manager at Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR), said: "We haven't had any more information in the search for Gloria. Our operation has been suspended."

KSAR conducted their search, along with police and London Search and Rescue, from a command vehicle parked at the Park Gate Inn on Ashford Road throughout last week.

Police officers have searched woodland with dogs, conducted door-to-door inquiries, distributed posters, and deployed a helicopter to assist in the search, with inspectors admitting they are becoming "increasingly concerned" for her welfare.

Those living and working in Leeds, Otham, Staplehurst, Headcorn, Coxheath, Chart Sutton, Lenham, Langley, Sutton Valence, Boughton Monchelsea and neighbouring villages have all been asked to check sheds and outbuildings while dog walkers and ramblers in rural areas have been urged to remain vigilant.

Mrs Stringer is white, 5ft 2in, slim with long brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing glasses, a fawn coat, blue jogging trousers and black shoes.

Anyone who sees her or has information that may help is asked to call Kent Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency quoting 02-0342.