Ings End, Rimington, where Mr Rayton's body was found. Photo: Dr Neil Clifton CC-BY-SA-2.0

The body of a missing man at the centre of a major search has been found.

A member of the public discovered the body of 70-year-old John Rayton near the village of Rimington in Lancashire today.

Mr Rayton, of Preston, was reported missing when he failed to return from a walking trip. His family said they believed he had gone by public transport to the Gisburn area.

His body was found at Ings End, 4km (2½ miles) south-west of Gisburn about 1.30pm.

A major search had been mounted by Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, Bowland Pennine MRT and Bolton MRT, aided by animals and handlers from Search and Rescue Dogs England and Sarda Wales, along with an RAF Sea King helicopter.

John Rayton

Mr Rayton’s granddaughter Maisie Rayton, who had appealed through Twitter for members of the public to be on the lookout for the missing walker, used the social network system to Tweet: “Thanks to all who helped search for my gdad. He has been found by a member of public. RIP granddad.”