A teacher who has spent five years looking for his missing wife arrived in Brighton and vowed: "I will keep searching until I die."

Bernard Breant has travelled across Europe and made inquiries all over the world about Odette, his wife of 28 years.

Odette, 59, also a teacher, disappeared from their home near Paris and was last seen arriving by ferry at Newhaven on September 30, 1995.

The mother and grandmother had only her handbag, £60 cash and the clothes she wore. Her husband, a former councillor in their home town of Antony, has no idea why she disappeared.

Mr Breant believes she might have travelled to Brighton to relive a trip in 1951, which she won in a Rotary Club town-twinning contest.

He first visited Brighton with his son Oliver, 38, a month after Odette vanished. He returned yesterday to renew his appeal for information.

Mr Breant said: "I can't rest until I find her and I learn what has happened. I will carry on searching until I find her or I die."

Detective Sergeant John Cousin, of Newhaven CID, said: "He has never stopped looking. He has combed Sussex, checked with mortuaries and even viewed bodies of unidentified women.

"He has checked with hospitals throughout the UK, help organisations, Interpol, relatives in Australia, the Missing Persons Helpline and has made national appeals.

"It really is a mystery. As far as Mr Breant is aware, all was well with his wife. There was no illness, no depression and no suggestion Mrs Breant was having an affair."

Mr Breant said Odette disappeared after he left their home to collect their 18-month-old grandson, Laniy, who was going to spend the day with them.

Mr Breant has visited England dozens of times to look for her since then. He said: "I live only because if she is alive, I must wait for her."

Mrs Breant speaks good English and may be using her maiden name, Verges. She is 5ft 6in tall with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information should call Mr Cousin on 0845 6070999 ext 62061.