Volunteer search takes to the sky

‘‘This is absolutely awesome, it's a boost for us all.’’

Upper Hutt’s outstanding volunteer response to finding Mary Berrington is continuing.

On Tuesday it took to the air with a private helicopter searching the Hutt River from Petone to Maoribank.

Volunteer co-ordinator Daniel Talbot said the offer of the helicopter search was readily accepted.

‘‘This is absolutely awesome, it’s a boost for us all,’’ he said. ’’They contacted me. I have informed the police and it has all been cleared, they support it.

‘‘The helicopter pilot said they would fly about 50 metres off the ground over the river and also go over our parks.’’

Wellington Police suspended their search for Berrington on Sunday after five intensive days trying to find the 62-year-old local who disappeared on the evening of July 19.

Talbot said more than 100 people continued to help in the response which on Monday was carried out south of the Silverstream bridge.

‘‘Now we are looking at focusing on our leaflet letter-box drops, taking them down into Belmont, Taita and Naenae,’’ he said.

Berrington has bipolar disorder and may be in an anxious state.

Berrington is 168cm tall, of solid build and with short brown and grey hair.

Anyone wanting to help with the Upper Hutt search can call Talbot on 021 526 445.