CONCERNS are mounting for a missing woman with health problems who was last seen walking on moorland in North Yorkshire.

Barbara Colling, 68, from Helmsley, has not been seen since 9.30am on Monday, when she was seen walking from her home town towards Stokesley, on the opposite side of the North York Moors, North Yorkshire Police said.

Officers are concerned for her welfare as she has serious health issues, does not have access to money or debit cards and her behaviour is out of character, a force spokesman said.

Scarborough and Cleveland Mountain Rescue teams have been helping with the search for Mrs Colling and police have appealed for public help in finding her.

Insp Steve Ratcliffe said: “I am urging anyone who may be out and about, including walkers and people working in the area between Helmsley and Stokesley to keep a look out for Barbara.

“I am also asking farmers to check in outbuildings and sheds to see if she has taken shelter from the poor weather.

“If anyone sees a woman matching Barbara’s description, I urge to them to contact the police straight away.”

It has been stated on social networking sites that Mrs Colling had gone for a walk, and that she is understood to have Alzheimer’s Disease and could be confused and lost.

Mrs Colling is white, 5ft 6in, of average build with medium-length blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a navy blue jacket, blue trousers, a black woollen hat with ear flaps and black boots. Police think she was carrying a black rucksack.

Mrs Colling was last seen in the area of the B1257 at Abbotts Hag, near the Rievaulx turn-off. Anyone with information should phone police on 101.