FEARS are growing for a pensioner who vanished while out walking.

Sara Taylor went missing from her home, just off The Square in Beaminster, around 3pm on Thursday.

She was seen in the Co-op store in the town where she was pictured on CCTV.

The 76-year-old has not been heard from since.

Dorset Police launched a search for Mrs Taylor on Thursday evening and have released pictures of her.

Officers are appealing to the public for their help with information about Mrs Taylor’s whereabouts.

Yesterday police officers continued their investigation in what they describe as an increasingly ‘intelligence-led’ search for Mrs Taylor.

Police were seen searching the area, meanwhile her husband Peter was waiting anxiously for news at the couple’s home.

Flyers were being prepared to hand out to people in the town, as the community rallied round to help with the search.

Volunteers at the Yarn Barton community and information centre were ready to do anything they could to help.

Volunteer Alaina Cameron said people in the town had been overwhelmed at the speed and size of the police response.

“There were police and search and rescue people all over the Square and a helicopter was up over the town,” she added.

“At least last night wasn't as cold as it has been, but it’s still too cold to be out.

“But how can you spot one elderly person if they are out in countryside like this?

“We just hope they find her soon.”

Mrs Taylor is described as white, well built, around 5ft 7in, with short grey hair.

Officers said they believe she was wearing dark red trousers, a light coloured jacket and Wellington boots when she was last seen.

Inspector Bob Jacobs said officers believed Mrs Taylor was still in the Beaminster area.

He said: “I understand that Sara can be easily confused and her family are understandably concerned that she may come to some harm.

“I believe that it’s likely that Sara is still in the Beaminster area.

“She is reasonably fit for her age and she has been known to walk considerable distances.”

Inspector Jacobs continued: “It’s important that we make sure that Sara is safe and well and I am urging anyone who has seen a woman matching Sara’s description to contact police on 101.”

Anyone with any information or knowledge as to Mrs Taylor’s whereabouts should call Dorset Police on 101.