A son has made an emotional appeal for his 70-year-old mother to come home.

Jill Hunt went missing from her Rustington home in The Bramblings on Sea Estate on Tuesday morning.

Mrs Hunt went to bed on Monday night as usual but when husband, Maurice, woke at 10am the following day his wife was gone.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the pensioner's welfare due to the bad weather conditions.

It is believed Mrs Hunt had been worried about something, although about what is unknown, and did not take her purse or coat with her.

Mrs Hunt has been her husband's carer since he had a stroke last year. He is also a diabetic.

Son, Chris Hunt, said: "This is totally out of character. She has nursed my dad for years. It's very strange for her to leave him.

"We are frantic. We have been through lots of emotions during the last few days but we just want her to come home."

Mr Hunt said: "Whatever may be troubling mum we can sort it out. Please just get in touch.

"My mother is a really lovely grandmother who dotes on her grandchildren. She gets very worried about other things that wouldn't normally bother other people. She is one of life's worriers.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have seen a woman of mum's description, looking slightly disorientated, to contact police."

The couple had been due to visit their son Chris, in Eastbourne and their other son who lives in Reigate and four grandchildren during the Christmas period.

The couple are well known in the area as Mr Hunt was bank manager of NatWest in The Street, Rustington for many years.

Mrs Hunt had a breakdown 12 years ago and it is feared she may have been depressed.

Police believe Mrs Hunt may have been wearing black trousers and a roll necked jumper.

Mrs Hunt is described as 5ft 5in tall, of slim build with grey wavy hair and wore glasses.

Police are asking people living in Rustington, Littlehampton and East Preston to check their sheds, outbuildings and any empty neighbours for Mrs Hunt.

anyone with any information should call police on 0845 60 70 999.