A man who went missing while out walking near Gisburn on Thursday morning has been found dead.

A major search operation was launched on Friday to try to find 70-year-old John Rayton, from Preston.

A walker found Mr Rayton’s body at around 1.30pm on Saturday at the hamlet of Ings End, near Rimington.

The large-scale search operation was launched in the Ribble Valley and West Craven area after Mr Rayton had failed to return home.

Barnoldswick councillor Jennifer Purcell said: “I saw an RAF helicopter flying around and it landed on the rugby pitches at Victory Park.

“Teams of people scoured every inch of this area, including the top of Weets Hill.

“There was quite a big search going on, it’s just unfortunate that there was a sad end to it.”

Mr Rayton’s granddaughter Maisie Rayton used Twitter to thank those who had helped in the search.

She said: “Thanks to all who helped search for my grandad.”

The search involved Lancashire Police, Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, Bowland Pennine MRT and Bolton MRT, animals and handlers from Search and Rescue Dogs and an RAF Sea King helicopter.