Walker found safe after rescue mission

A 54-year-old man who failed to return from a morning walk near Wanganui was found safe and well overnight following a search and rescue mission.

Police and local search and rescue volunteers launched the search about 4pm when the man had not returned to his Kauarapaoa Road home, north of Wanganui, Senior Sergeant Darcy Forrester said.

The group of 16 searchers found the man in good health about midnight and he was able to walk out unassisted, he said in a statement.

The walker was wearing suitable clothing and had assisted searchers by using a whistle.

- NZPA