EMERGENCY services including a police helicopter and a rescue boat took part in a major search in York for an elderly man who was reported missing but later found safe and well.

North Yorkshire Police issued an urgent appeal last night as to the whereabouts of 78-year-old Alan Varley, from York, who had last been seen setting off to walk his dog at 7.30pm yesterday.

Later on in the night, the force confirmed that Alan and his dog had been found safe and well by officers.

Fire and ambulance crews also took part in the search and helped scour the River Ouse and its banks.

Mr Varley's wife took to Twitter to thank the emergency services. She wrote: "Many many thanks to everyone who helped in the search for my husband Alan and his dog. I don't know what I would have done without you."

York Rescue Boat wrote on Twitter: "Team stood down. Missing person found by @NYorksPolice."

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police's York North Safer Neighbourhood Team tweeted: "@snayorknorth would like to thank the local residents around Leeman Rd area for their assistance with looking for Alan Varley #community."