Search for possum hunter continues

The search for an elderly possum hunter missing in remote bush in north Canterbury has resumed.

Nothing has been heard of 83-year-old Alan Hill since he went into the Ashley Gorge area, north west of Christchurch, on Wednesday morning to set possum traps.

Search coordinator Sergeant Ryan O'Rourke said the number of searchers would be doubled from 30 to 60 today.

They would still focus on the same area, but it was necessary to have a larger number of searchers because the terrain was so thick.

The airforce would also use helicopters in the search.

Searchers are becoming increasingly concerned for the well-being of Mr Hill who was not equipped for a night in the bush.

Thirty Land Search and Rescue personnel and police dog teams were yesterday joined by a team of kayakers checking the Ashley River.

The search has been concentrated on an area where a pair of gloves and a fresh line of possum traps thought to belong to Mr Hill were found on Thursday.

- NZPA