THE search for missing walker Gwenda Merriott has been stepped up following reported sightings.

Concern has continued to mount for Ms Merriott who was last seen in the Ambleside area.

The search for the 60-year-old, from Wilton, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, began on November 30.

She was last seen by family members in the Rydal Road car park at Ambleside.

She was wearing a blue and black top, brown hiking boots and carrying a blue rucksack. She is described as a keen fell walker, 5ft 6in tall, of slight build and with short, spiky, salt and pepper hair.

Following fresh sightings, volunteers from several mountain rescue teams, some using specially trained dogs, searched areas around Loughrigg and Great Rigg near Ambleside. However, police said nothing was found.

Posters have now being put up around the area and hotels and B&Bs are being contacted in the hope of tracing her.

Anyone who has seen a woman matching Gwenda Merriot's description should contact officers on 0845 3300247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.