Missing angler Robert Heaton's family still 'hopeful'
The family of an angler who disappeared almost two months ago is still "hopeful" he will be found.
Police confirmed they are to begin a new, major coastal search for Robert Heaton, 41, who was last seen leaving his Carlisle home on 15 November.
The 41-year-old's fishing rod was later found near the River Eden.
Cumbria Police said Mr Heaton's family was still hoping he would be found alive and they were keeping an "open mind".
A spokeswoman for the force said: "A riverbank search of the area at the time of the disappearance did not find anything so a wider search of the Solway Firth, marshes and estuaries is to begin in the next few days.
"Mr Heaton's family are still hopeful he will come back."
Mr Heaton of Belah Road, Carlisle, was a keen angler.
His fishing rod and baseball cap were found at Etterby Scaur, near Eden Street, close to the River Eden, two days after he disappeared.