RELATIVES of a missing pensioner have thanked people for their help in the search.

The statement came as police continued to urge people to check outbuildings for Douglas Bruce, 78.

Mr Bruce has been ­missing from his home in Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, since Wednesday.

Despite his walking stick being discovered near a river on Friday, there have been no sightings of the man.

Det Sgt Gary Winter of Police Scotland said yesterday: "Mr Bruce's family would like to pass on their appreciation to members of the public and emergency services for their assistance in the search for Douglas."

He is described as 5ft 2ins in height, of medium build with grey/white hair. He usually wears glasses with silver rims and walks with the aid of a walking stick.

When he was last seen he was wearing a black or navy jacket with a hood, grey trousers, brown boots and a dark-coloured beanie hat. He was also wearing a dark scarf.