Police are continuing to search for a missing possum trapper in North Canterbury.

83 year old Allan HILL from Loburn has been missing since Wednesday and searchers are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing.

Mr HILL was setting possum traps in bush at Ashley Gorge but failed to return home on Wednesday evening. He was not equipped for an overnight stay and conditions in the area have been very cold and windy with fresh snow on the tops.

Search coordinator Sergeant Ryan O’Rourke said after two nights in the open Police are getting very concerned for Mr HILLS’ safety. 30 LandSAR personnel along with Police dog teams are scouring thick bush and steep hillsides to try and locate him.

A team of kayakers has been brought in to search the Ashley River today. An RNZAF Iroquois will arrive later today to assist in deploying and recovering search teams.

The searchers are concentrating on areas of high interest located yesterday including a pair of gloves believe to belong to Mr HILL and a fresh line of possum traps.