A FORMER Bettws church minister has gone missing while on holiday in Slovenia.

The Reverend David Fox, 52, was a minister at the now-closed Free Church on Tone Close, Bettws, in the late 1990s to early 2000s.

Councillor Noel Trigg, Mayor of Newport, told the Argus prayers were being said for him in the local churches.

Mr Fox, who has no known family, went missing on Monday while on a walking holiday in the mountainous Bohinj area of north-west Slovenia.

Since he was reported missing from his hotel Slovenian police have launched a widespread search including a helicopter search.

Local media have also appealed for information about him.

He was due to have returned to Wales on Wednesday last week, and his congregation in Penarth had planned to have a surprise party on his return to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination.

Councillor Trigg said: "He is a great guy. It's a terrible thing and a worry for everybody. I know all the churches here are praying for him.

"You just don't know what could have happened to him.

"He was well known and well liked in Bettws."

Fellow councillor Glyn Jarvis who also knew Mr Fox added his concern and said: "I was very shocked to hear he was missing. I hope is found safe very soon."

As well as his role as minister in Penarth, Newbridge-born Mr Fox has a prominent administrative role in the United Reformed Church in Wales.

Sue Cole, speaking on behalf 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."