You could try a search of
http://www.freebmd.org.uk/ on your own computer, FizzyChip, but it only copies official Birth, Marriage and Death records (hence the bmd name). Be warned, though, the records on the site are very far from comprehensive. I have done a few searches for known people in my family tree - and haven't found a single one listed, for all that I know the details.
One way that might produce results without costing too much is to go to your local library and find out where and when your local Family History Society meets (once a month is usual). You will, I am sure, be able to go to one or a few meetings as a guest without joining the Society.
You will find the people there friendly and helpful. They have the same interest and were beginners themselves once. They can point you towards the local Society for the district of Manchester where he was last seen. There will probably be old copies of their Journal available, and
that may point you towards Manchester people willing to make local enquiries, or how to have a query published in the Manchester Society's Journal for a nominal fee.
If that all gets you nowhere, buy a Family History magazine at any newsagent. There will be many advertisements for paid searchers.
Feel free to e-mail me if you wish. I'm happy to give general advice, but can't help you directly. Click on my screen name, then on my personal profile to find my e-mail address. Please mention AnswerPool and FizzyChip in the subject line of any e-mail, so that I don't delete it unread!
