Police are increasing their efforts to find elderly York widow Gladys Paylor, who went missing from home a week and a half ago.

Underwater units are making searches of the River Ouse as well as the lake at Rawcliffe, which Mrs Paylor, 71, is known to have enjoyed walking around.

Tony Lidgate, spokesman for North Yorkshire Police, said that on Tuesday last week, a man reported seeing a body in the river at Acaster Malbis.

However, the man thought the body was that of a male and he did not get a clear view as the river was in flood at the time.

Police found nothing, despite immediate searches of the river and its banks.

Since then, they have made repeated searches of the river, particularly between Naburn Lock and Barlby, while Humberside Police have been searching the river downstream of Goole.

Police at Scarborough are also helping the operation as it is known that Mrs Paylor often spoke of how much she enjoyed spending time at the resort with her late husband.

She was last seen on Monday, September 25, at her home in the north of York and police believe she may have left home without outdoor clothing and without money.

Despite a number of calls to the police reporting sightings of her, none have brought any success.

Mrs Paylor is described as 5ft 8in tall, thin, with greying, light brown collar-length hair.

Mr Lidgate said: "Officers in York's north policing area continue to follow every possible lead and will continue to search areas where Mrs Paylor may have gone, but are now running low on options."

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should ring 01904 631321.

ENDS