POLICE searching Upper Wharfedale for missing 74-year-old walker David McCartney say they have recovered a body.

A farmer called police late this morning (Monday) to say he had discovered a body in the Coverhead area. Officers attended a short time later, along with mountain rescue and the body was recovered.

Although formal identification has not been confirmed at this stage, officers believe the body to be that of Mr McCartney.

Mr McCartney's family have been informed of this news and are currently being supported.

A police spokesperson said: "A post mortem will be carried to establish the cause of death. Officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."

Police were called on Monday, last week, when Mr McCartney, from the Keighley area, did not return home from a lone walking expedition in Upper Wharfedale. His car was found in Kettlewell.

In the following days there was an extensive search, involving police, the national police air support service, mountain rescue and the RAF.

The spokesperson added: "Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with sharing the appeals to find David."