THE SISTER of missing pensioner Jill Barnes has appealed for her to contact police.

The 72-year-old was last seen at 10pm on Monday at her home in Western Road, Sompting.

Gwen Davies said: "Jill you are not in any trouble please get in touch to let us know you are safe.”

She said her sister was “very quiet", “unassuming” and a “creature of habit”.

She said: “She hardly goes out except to walk her Westie dog Carly twice a day in the area.

"She only speaks to people she knows but she is friendly with a lot of the dog walkers in the area. We sometimes go to Lancing beach to walk her dog.

"I want to appeal to anyone who thinks they may have seen her to contact police immediately. We are desperate to hear of any news of her.”

Inspector Roy Hodder said: "We are extremely concerned for the welfare of Jill.

"Officers assisted by the police helicopter, search and rescue volunteers and West Sussex Fire and Rescue have been searching outbuildings, sheds, the area around nearby Brooklands Park where she regularly walks her dog, the beach and knocking on doors asking if anyone has seen her since she was reported missing.

"This is out of character for Jill as she tends to have the same routine and she hasn't gone missing before."

Jill is described as white, 5' 4", large, with short grey hair, green eyes and a ruddy complexion. It is not known what she was wearing when she went missing but she may not be wearing a coat or shoes.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 553 of November 24 or if she is in danger or in need of urgent medical attention call 999 immediately.