A 22-YEAR-OLD diabetes sufferer has been found safe and well after a major search and rescue operation was launched in the Craven area.

Police were called to a house in Long Preston just before 2am today after a woman raised concerns about her boyfriend, who had apparently set off to walk home to the Settle area - a journey officers described as "approximately eight miles across dense moorland in poor weather conditions".

The man, who has diabetes, was believed to be in danger due to the adverse effects of alcohol on his medical condition.

A police-led search of the area, supported by search and rescue, including the use of dogs and off-road motorbikes, was launched during the early hours.

Police and RAF helicopters were also due to be scrambled to support the effort this morning.

However, the man was found by his grandparents near their home in Settle at around 8.15am.

He was described as safe and well but with little recollection of what had happened.

North Yorkshire Police thanked all those involved in the search operation.