A large scale search continues for a missing solider in Galway today.

21 year old private Ben Garrett was last seen on Eglinton Street in Galway city in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Mayo native is 6 foot in height, slim, with an athletic build and short brown hair.

Anyone who can help in finding Ben, is asked to contact Galway Garda station.

Gardai and members of the Defence Forces are helping friends and family in the search.

Captain Damien Kelleher says it's a difficult time for Ben's family: