THE brother of a missing pensioner fears he won't be found in time for Christmas.

But Raymond Shaw, 68, isn't giving up hope of finding 71-year-old Ronald, who vanished from his home in Ellesmere Port almost five months ago.

Raymond hopes a huge appeal launched by the National Missing Persons Helpline (NMPH) will locate his brother, who may be living rough.

The NMPH, a charity which finds missing people and supports those left behind, launched its Christmas appeal in Liverpool on Wednesday.

Pictures of missing people from and connected with the city will appear on screens installed on the sides of 12 BT phone boxes in the centre of Liverpool.

Ronald Shaw's family come from Fazakerley, where Raymond still lives.

Ronald moved to Ellesmere Port 30 years ago with their father, who came to work at a local painting firm.

Because of alleged abuse suffered as a youngster, Ronald developed symptoms of a nervous break-down, never worked, married or had children.

Until his disappearance he lived an active life. Discharged from the Army after an illness, he is interested in the environment, books and health foods.

He went missing from his Atherton Road bungalow at 9.30am on Tuesday, July 27.

His brother said: 'He could be living rough and using his money cautiously. If anyone finds him, it will be walkers or children out playing. I'm worried but I am still keeping my hopes up.'

Raymond added: 'I don't think Ronald would ever do anything to kill himself.

'Were it not for his background, Ronald would have gone to university to study architecture and history. He also painted portraits and drew cartoons.'

'He likes the marble church in Rhyl. I've been all along the North Wales coast, looking in book shops and health food shops. That's where he might be, as he loves books and is a vegetarian.'

Ronald is fit but can get confused. He is 5ft 11in tall, of thin build and pale complexion, with grey hair to his shoulders, slightly balding on top, with a grey beard.

He was last seen wearing a shirt and tie, dark trousers, long green coat, fawn baseball cap and trainers.

The NMPH receives thousands of calls every year on its confidential Freephone number - 0500 700 700.