FEARS are growing for the safety of an RSPCA inspector from Wirral who went missing after helping birds stranded on rocks during Storm Imogen.

Mike Reid has not been seen since since he went to reports of a flock of around 30 gannets stranded on rocks at Portchapel Beach, near Penzance on Sunday afternoon.

The alarm was raised when he failed to return home from duty.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA assistant director, said: "We are extremely concerned and urge anyone who may have seen Mike to contact Devon and Cornwall Police who are leading the search.

"He has not been seen since he responded to a call to our National Control Centre about stricken birds yesterday.

"We are in close contact with his family and will continue to provide ongoing support through the search."

The RSPCA is working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police and the Coastguard in their search for Mr Reid, who was originally from Wirral but was living in Redruth, Cornwall.

Colleagues have described him as highly respected and said they are hoping for his safe return.

Wirral RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes told the Globe: "He has a huge caring smile that would light up the room.

"He is very well thought of and massively respected. All of our thoughts and prayers are with his family and for his safe return.

"This could happen to any one of us. There are fewer than 300 inspectors countrywide and we are primarily lone workers and often walk into dangerous situations.

"Whatever has happened he was just doing his job, trying to protect animals. We are absolutely hoping for the best."

At the time of his disappearance there were strong gusts of winds, with the nearest weather station to Penzance clocking wind speeds of around 45mph at the time he took the call.

Mr Reid is 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build and with short greying spiked hair.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 999 quoting reference 106 of February 8.