Coastguard and RNLI patrols will continue to search for a missing man today.

Clifford Butler, who is a former town councillor for New Romney, first went missing from his home in the town yesterday morning.

Police are concerned for the pensioner's welfare, after he was last seen there at around 7am.

Littlestone RNLI Lifeboat Station confirmed today on Facebook that the search is ongoing along the Marsh shoreline, after coastal surveillance was stepped up on Tuesday evening.

The post read: "The lifeboat launched last night to carry out a water line search for a local man who has gone missing.

"The coastguard, police and Kent Search and Rescue used the station as the control centre for their searches around the area.

"A police helicopter was also used to carry out a thorough search. Unfortunately nothing was found after many many hours of searching.

"The search will resume today.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the man's family and we are all hoping for a positive outcome."

The Folkestone and Dungeness coastguard teams confirmed on social media that they have been involved with the operation, alongside Rye Bay coastguard teams and the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Mr Butler previously made headlines highlighting healthcare strains on the Marsh back in 2015.

Officers are continuing to appeal for information to locate the 72-year-old.

He is described as white, around 6ft tall with grey hair.

He was last seen wearing glasses and a beige jacket.

Inspector Andy Brittenden said: "Officers are currently searching for Mr Butler.

"We are aware that he has difficulty walking and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen him."

Officers are asking anyone with any information as to his whereabouts to contact them on 101, quoting reference 08-842.