The family of a man who vanished ten years ago today pleaded "We need to know what has happened to him".

Their plea came as detectives reopened the file on Graham Whitton who was last seen walking out of a city pub on December 11, 1992.

The 38-year-old father-of-two told friends he was heading to another bar but he never arrived.

Mr Whitton's sister, Susan Irvin, said: "The worst thing is not knowing what has happened to him. It is particularly hard coming up to Christmas which should be a family time."

Mrs Irvin, 50, from Scholemoor, Bradford, said her brother had run up gambling debts just before his disappearance and fears someone "may have done something to him".

The sales assistant added: "If he is out there, we need him to get in touch just to let us know he is okay."

Mrs Irvin stressed she and their mother lived in the same address and added: "He doesn't need to come and see us or explain where he is or where he has been. Whatever has happened, we love him and just want to know that he is alright."

She said: "He had always kept in touch with his children. He recently became a granddad and probably doesn't know it."

Mr Whitton - nicknamed Ginger - was born in Buttershaw, moved to Scholemoor as a child and went to Lidget Green Infants School. He started work at Allied Industrial Services in Cemetery Road but later moved to Tanks & Drums in Bowling Back Lane and was made redundant.

He married in his 20s and had two children before divorcing six years later following his serious gambling problem.

Detective Inspector Chris Binns, who is leading the hunt, said at the time of his disappearance Mr Whitton was staying with friends at Louis Avenue on the Canterbury estate. He said: "He had money and valuables in his bedroom there but did not pick them up. Mr Whitton was also claiming benefits and has never cashed a payment since."

Mrs Irvin added that he had paid for a holiday which he did not take. Det Insp Binns said Mr Whitton was a regular at three pubs close to his home - the Gardener's Arms in Holme Top Lane, the Old Vic in Park Lane and the Old House at Home in Little Horton Lane.

Det Insp Binns said: "We are keeping an open mind over this case but there is currently nothing to indicate that foul play has been involved."

He appealed for anyone with information to come forward adding: "We would particularly like to hear from anyone who knew him from the Derek Stowell betting shop on Legrams Lane which is now a Tote outlet."

Anyone with information should contact Bradford South CID on (01274) 376459 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.