A woman whose partner went missing from home without warning earlier this week has spoken of her fears for his safety.

Lorraine Templeton last saw her partner Stuart Taylor at their home, in Lincolnshire, on Tuesday.

Mr Taylor, a sales representative, has recently suffered poor mental health and is believed to be in the Market Harborough area.

The 46-year-old is originally from the town and still owns a house in Fleckney.

Miss Templeton, who has been going out with Mr Taylor for 18 months, has been travelling from their home in Grantham to trawl the area showing posters of Mr Taylor to passers-by.

The 48-year-old said: "Stuart has had a mental breakdown and, unfortunately, he is not thinking logically at the moment.

"He's possibly not even aware of where he is.

"He is a very gentle and kind person, very softly spoken and I am very worried about him.

"I think he could be trying to find some shelter because it is so cold at the moment.

"He is in very thin clothing and I am extremely worried about him.

"I would like people to check any outhouses, stables or derelict buildings in case he is taking shelter in there."

The police search is focusing on the Foxton Locks and Saddington areas.

Miss Templeton said: "We think somebody saw him walking near Foxton Locks in the direction of Saddington in Tuesday.

"But the worrying thing is there have been no sightings since then.

"He used to have a black collie dog which he absolutely loved walking. The dog was put to sleep a week or two ago and that upset him even more.

"The dog's ashes are scattered at Saddington, so I don't know if that is the area he has headed for.

"I'm just desperate to get him back home."

Leicestershire police have issued a photograph of Mr Taylor, which was taken a year ago.

Officers are searching the area and the force helicopter has been brought in to assist.

The helicopter is equipped with thermal imaging equipment which can detect body heat.

He is white, 5ft 10in, of slim build and has short wavy brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a long sleeved blue T-shirt, a brown leather bomber-style jacked, green cord trousers and brown shoes.

A police spokeswoman said: "We have had the force helicopter up in the area to assist with the search. Mr Taylor has never gone missing before and the police and his family are growing increasingly concerned for his safety and welfare."

Contact police on the force's non-emergency number 101.