THE family of a missing Pontypool man have spoken out about their shock and anguish, more than two weeks after he was last seen.

Jaymie James, 49, was reported missing from the Tan y Coed area of Pontnewynydd on Sunday October 15, something that came “completely out the blue” according to his brother-in-law.

William Geenty says the news caught the entire family by surprise, adding: “It was just a shock to us all, it’s just so unexpected.

“He’s a very intelligent chap, he dotes on his nieces and nephews, everyone misses him massively.

"We’re just trying to hold it together.”

The missing Mr James, who stands at more than six feet tall, had told family members that he was feeling unwell on the day he was last seen – Friday, October 13.

Mr Geenty, 36, is engaged to Mr James’ sister Phillipa - together they have one son, Toby, along with Lewis and Gracie, children from his fiancee’s previous relationship.

He says his brother-in-law visits “every other day” and is an avid drone enthusiast, just as eager to take them apart and put them back together as actually flying them.

“He’s interested in mapping archaeological sites and converting them into 3D images on the computer,” said Mr Geenty.

“He produces really cool videos, and he’s amazingly good at it.”

Mr Geenty also revealed that Mr James is a keen forager, and he believes that there is a chance that eating “rotten” foraged food could explain his sickness.

Search parties have been canvassing the nearby Goytre Hall woods – a favoured foraging spot for Mr James – but they have turned out no results within a fortnight. Other areas of interest, such as places Mr James commonly flew his drone, have also been searched.

According to Mr Geenty, four sightings of Mr James were reported from Glascoed, across the county lines in Monmouthshire.

He added: “There’s quite a lot of woodland there that helicopters have tried to survey but it’s hard to get a good view.”

Despite the ordeal, Mr Geenty praised the “amazing job” done by Gwent Police in keeping the family constantly updated.

He was also thankful for the ongoing search efforts by the Civil Aid Voluntary Rescue Association (CAVRA) and volunteers. such as Chris Quick, Russell Spencer, Jennifer Purcell and Paul Hoskins, a friend or Mr James’

Anyone with information relating to Mr James’ whereabouts is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 376 15/10/17.