Wiltshire Police are appealing for the public's help in locating a popular Calne school groundsman who went missing yesterday.

Richard Forty, 24, was last seen yesterday at about 10am at St Mary's School in Calne, where he has worked for three years.

Mr Forty is described as white, of medium height and slim build with blond hair and some facial hair.

At this stage, it is not known what Mr Forty was last seen wearing.

School staff reported his disappearance to his family who then reported it to the police.

The school grounds were searched last night by school staff and then by the police.

Police have issued two photographs of him and are urging anyone with information as to where he is to contact Wiltshire Police immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said Mr Forty was reported missing yesterday, although his disappearance is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

The force spokesman said: “We’ve been looking since yesterday, since he’s been missing, and the search has been stepped up overnight.

"Police have been to the home address and have started to do door knocks.”

Stephanie Bryan, the school's marketing and communications manager, said today: "We are very concerned by the disappearance of Richard Forty, who has been an employee at the school for three years, and we are assisting the police in their efforts to locate him.

"Richard is local to the area. He is a well-liked, quiet person.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."