A man who battled for the right to wear women's clothes to work has disappeared.

Police have launched a search for Gary Starns, 40, of Pantile Avenue, Southend, who has not been in contact with family or friends for two weeks.

Mr Starns, a cross dresser, left his post as a porter at Southend Hospital last year after losing two appeals against dismissal for breaching uniform policy by wearing a skirt.

Mr Starns has apparently abandoned his flat and police are looking for him.

His mother, Sylvia Newell, of Clarence Road, Rayleigh, said Mr Starns had suffered from depression sinceleaving work.

She said: "After they axed him from his job there, that was when the depression started.

"He had been unusually quiet. He had been storing it up and he hadn't said anything.

"He always comes over to see me once a week. The last time he came was January 15, the day before his birthday."

Mrs Newell said she went to her son's home last week, but there was no one there.

Eventually, with help from the police, she was able to break into the flat.

She said: "He had left his phone behind, his wallet and his keys - everything.

"I want him to get in touch with me to let me know everything is all right."

Police initially classified Mr Starns as a high-risk missing person.

However, after breaking into his flat, they discovered his bike and his camping equipment were also missing, and now hope he has taken an impromptu holiday.

A spokeswoman said: "It has given us a bit of comfort and we are looking at camp sites, both local ones and further afield."

There has so far been one possible sighting, in Shoebury on Friday night.

It is possible he may have headed to the New Forest or Portsmouth.

Anyone with information can call Southend police on 01702 431212.