The father of a young British backpacker missing in the Australian bush has joined the search for his son.

Jamie Neale, 19, from London, has not been seen for a week. Police believe he left his hostel in the town of Katoomba, New South Wales, last Friday for a walk in the Blue Mountains, located northwest of Sydney.

His father, Richard Cass, who arrived in Australia from the UK earlier on Friday, said: "Obviously, I just want to concentrate on just finding my boy. He's very tolerant of cold and if anybody can survive this he will."

And New South Wales Police officer Mick Bostock said: "It's day seven since he's been missing. Obviously if he's been outside without shelter or food we'd have serious concerns for his safety after this period of time."

Mr Neale was last seen leaving his hostel in the mountain town of Katoomba as he headed out for a bushwalk. Some of his belongings were left behind at the hostel, including his mobile phone.

The alarm was raised on July 4 when he failed to turn up for a pre-booked tour of some nearby caves.

Police are trying to trace a Canadian backpacker, Mathew Cayes, who they believe may have spoken to Mr Neale before he left. It is believed he could have vital information about the route he planned to take.

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