|PIC1|The leader of the United Reformed Church in Wales has flown home from Africa to support church members waiting for news of their missing minister.

The Rev David Fox vanished a week ago while on a walking holiday in Slovenia. Despite an extensive search of the area, involving police and mountain rescue, no trace of him has yet been found.

The Rev Peter Noble, Moderator of the United Reformed Church in Wales, arrived back on Sunday night and will go to Rev Fox's church at Penarth on Monday.

He was on a church trip to Madagascar, where the United Reformed Church in Wales is developing links, when news broke of Rev Fox's disappearance.

Peter Noble said, on his return: "David is a wonderful pastor and has been a great source of comfort to many. I want to offer the same sort of help to his church members, as they wait for news.

"He is also a most valued colleague as synod clerk - our senior administrator in Wales."

Rev Fox, 52, has no close family, but has a strong relationship with his local congregation at Penarth United Church.

Members have been greatly encouraged by the support from other local churches. A church elder, Mostyn Davies, said, "We have been inundated with telephone calls, all offering prayerful support."

At Penarth's Sunday morning service yesterday, prayers for Rev Fox's safe return were led by lay preacher, Russell Davies. The church will be open for prayer every evening this week from 5pm to 5.30pm.