The wife of a man who has been missing from home since January has urged him to make contact.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Sue Ridgley appealed for Steve Ridgley to get in touch.

The father-of-three went missing from his home in Knebworth Road, Bexhill, at around 10.30am, on January 18.

She said: "We are all very worried about Steve, who is a real family man and though he was suffering from depression, to just disappear like this is so out of character.

"Steve does everything with his family and the only hobby he has that doesn't involve our three children, is playing golf.

"We have enjoyed so many fantastic family holidays together and right about now Steve and the kids would be planning where to go on holiday this summer."

Police said they have searched over 100 vacant properties and checked railway lines in the area, as well as combing beaches and woodland.

Steve is white, about 5ft 11in, with brown, receding hair.

He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a black lightweight waterproof jacket He owned a second-hand shop called S J Cash and Exchange in Castle Street, Hastings, and for over 17 years ran a market stall in St Andrews Square, Hastings.

Mrs Ridgley said: "Our daughter recently celebrated her twelfth birthday and it was incredibly difficult for her not having her father around.

"I am hoping that by talking directly to the media that Steve will see it, or someone who knows where he is will, and contact us.

"I am having to remain strong for the children but it has been an unbearable two months just not knowing where he is."

Mr Ridgley was last seen on 18 January at his home in Knebworth Road, Bexhill, around 10.30am.

Detective Inspector Ian Williams from Rother CID said: "Our concern for the welfare of Steve is growing.

"He is obviously in a very low and vulnerable place right now and we are aware that he has made attempts on his life previously.

"We are very keen that he makes contact with his family, who love and miss him very much, in order to get the help and care that he urgently needs."

Anyone with information about Mr Ridgley's whereabouts is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting serial 642 of January 18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.