POLICE are appealing for help to find a man who has been missing since going out to celebrate the New Year.

Joseph Culshaw, 30, has not been seen since putting his sister in a taxi at 1.30am on January 1, outside the Postal Order pub, in Darwen Street, Blackburn.

The labourer, who lives in St George's Avenue, Blackburn, had recently split up with his girlfriend of four years, and his family and detectives are becoming increasingly concerned about his whereabouts.

Detective Inspector Paul Withers said Mr Culshaw, known as Joe, had been drinking with his sister on New Year's Eve.

When she went home, he said he was going to the Jubilee pub, in Blakey Moor, but has not been seen since.

Mr Culshaw is described as 6ft 1ins tall, slim, and has receding, light brown hair.

He was wearing a grey shirt, grey trousers, and black boots. He also had two loop earrings in his left ear.

DI Withers said: "His family is extremely worried about him.

"If anybody has seen him, or knows where he is, or has spoken to him since he left his sister in Darwen Street, we would like to speak to them.

"I would also appeal to Joe if he sees this to put in a call to the police to let us know that he is all right."

Anyone with information can contact police on 01254 51212, quoting the log number 156eq020107, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.