Fears for church man in Slovenia

The Reverend David Fox was due to return on Wednesday

Concerns are growing for the safety of a Welsh church minister who has gone missing during a walking holiday in Slovenia.

The Reverend David Fox from the Penarth Uniting Church near Cardiff has not been seen since Saturday, 21 June.

It is understood he had been in the Bohinj area of the country, which is 44 miles (70km) northwest of the capital Ljubljana.

Police there say mountain rescue teams are continuing to search for him.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said the local search was also being helped by helicopters.

"We can confirm the reverend David Fox was reported missing on Monday," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"We are in touch with colleagues and are providing consular assistance."

The United Reformed Church said prayers for his safe return were being said by his congregation.

"He had no close family. The church is his family and he is family to us," said spokesman Stuart Dew.

"The position is that he is missing while on holiday and that is all that we know, as time goes by obviously concern increases.

"David is quite an independent chap and is quite likely he could have taken himself off walking without telling anyone.

Surprise party

"We are obviously very concerned for his welfare and waiting for further news."

Mr Fox is a prominent figure in the United Reformed Church, and as well as being a minister in Penarth, he is also Synod clerk for the organisation in Wales.

He had been due to return home on Wednesday, and his congregation had been planning a surprise party to mark the 25th anniversary since his ordination.

Margaret Oliver, the church secretary at Penarth, added: "David is very much in our thoughts and prayers.

"He is much more than a minister to all of us - he is a good close friend."

Sue Cole, also of the United Reformed Church, said: "We are increasingly worried.

"We know David as a quiet, sensitive, thoughtful man. He has no close family, indeed, the church is his family and he is family to us."