The wife of missing North East school teacher Darren Blyth has made a heartfelt plea for him to return home.
Police have said they are "increasingly concerned for the welfare" of Darren, 55, who was last seen leaving his home in Trimdon Station, County Durham to take photographs at Hawthorn Dene, a local beauty spot around 12 miles away, on Wednesday evening.
However he did not return, and was reported missing to police late that night by his wife Mel, 53.
She said today: "Darren was stressed about the risks of Covid and the effect on his role as a teacher. It has had an impact on his mental health.
"He is a well loved teacher under extraordinary pressure because of Covid and financial pressures, it all got too much for him."
The couple, who have been together for 27 years and married for 14, have a nine-year-old daughter, Abigail. Darren also has another daughter from a previous relationship, Katrina Blyth, and is a grandad.
Mel added: "As a husband and a father he is priceless. Nothing in the world can replace him. We just want him to come back safe."
Meanwhile Katrina, 36, said: "Dad, the last thing you said to me was, 'Thank you, it’s good to have people you can rely on'.
"There isn’t a problem that we can’t solve, together as a family. We can get through anything as long as we’re together. Mel, Abigail, Alex, Tamzin, Sean and I just want you home safe.
"Please get in touch to let us know that you’re ok. We love you so much."
Darren is a Biology teacher at Stokesley School & Sixth Form College where the head teacher, Hannah Millett, said staff and pupils hold him in high regard.
"He's a very warm teacher and the outpouring of emotion from the pupils when they were told on Friday he was missing is testament to the fact he is a much loved at the school," she said.
"In non-Covid times he ran a wildlife club for the more vulnerable children, that is the type of character he is.
"His pastoral care is particularly exceptional and many former pupils have been in touch too.
"All we want to do is is offer our support to the family and everyone is just hoping for his safe return."
Darren is described as 5ft 10ins, of slim build and with short grey hair, and was last seen wearing a black North Face coat and grey outdoor trousers.
Anybody with any information relating to Darren’s whereabouts has been asked to contact Durham Police on 101 as soon as possible, quoting reference number 005 of April 15.
