The body was found near the summit of Black Hill

Rescuers searching for a missing 92-year-old hillwalker have found a body.

Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team was called out yesterday afternoon to look for John Barnes of Mirfield, West Yorkshire, who failed to return from a walk between Holme Moss and Glossop on the West Yorkshire and Derbyshire moors.

A team spokesperson said: “The 92-year-old gentleman was described as very fit and healthy, and was a regular and highly experienced hillwalker, whose disappearance was out of character.

“Team leaders consulted with the family of the missing man and police during the early part of the evening, and began planning search areas.

“However, a National Police Air Service helicopter flying over the Black Hill area spotted a potential casualty and the team was mobilised to Holme Moss shortly after 7pm.”

The search party was made up of 39 volunteer rescuers and an initial group, including the team’s doctor, made its way to the site near the summit of Black Hill. The spokesperson said: “They located a male casualty who was, very sadly, deceased.

“The casualty was well equipped for both the terrain and conditions.

“A large party of personnel from the team was then dispatched to the location with a stretcher for recovery, but after arriving on scene it was decided the casualty could be transported back to the Holme Moss road using the NPAS helicopter.

“Formal identification has yet to take place, but the thoughts and condolences of the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team are with the family of the missing gentleman at this difficult time.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A formal identification will take place to identify the man and enquiries remain ongoing.

“Mr Barnes’s family have been informed.”