A FULL-SCALE search and rescue operation is underway for a Merseyside pensioner who vanished during a hiking trip in Lanzarote.

It is now a full week since Margaret Holt, 65, from Wirral was last seen on the Canary Island.

Her desperate family have flown out to help in the search operation which has now been extended to cover the entire island.

Three full days of searching by police officers and volunteers, using helicopters and dog teams have so far drawn a blank.

Yesterday the search was focused around the tiny village of Órzola on the northern tip of Lanzarote, the area where she was last seen on December 23.

But now the authorities feel this area has been exhaustively searched and it needs to be expanded to the rest of the island and in the sea around the coast.

One possible explanation for keen hiker Mrs Holt’s disappearance is that she slipped and fell on one of the treacherous walkways and paths around the volcanic island.

Another is that she thumbed a lift after missing the last bus to Costa Teguise, the resort where she was staying.

Mike Cliffe-Jones, who is helping co-ordinate the search among the English-speaking community with wife Julie, said: “We have been able to draw up a lot of support for the search.

“Non-Spanish speakers wanted to get involved and we help with communication with the official rescue workers.

“It’s very unusual for anyone to go missing for this length of time, which is why the community has got behind the search.”

Wife Julie, who is originally from Warrington and has lived in Lanzarote for the past 11 years, added: “The community has rallied round after the family asked locals for help in the search for Margaret.”

A local taxi driver has come forward with a possible sighting at Timanfaya national park, an official visitor attraction on the south of the island about 30 miles away.