A WALKER sparked an air, land and sea search when he went missing on the South West Coast Path last night (Sunday).

He was found safe and well in the early hours of this morning.

At 10.30pm, Devon and Cornwall Police called for the assistance of the Coastguard to help search for walker, from Bristol, who had failed to arrive in Lynmouth.

The 20-year-old had last been seen at about 2pm leaving Porlock Weir and friends and family reported him missing later that evening.

Watchet’s Coastguard Search and Rescue team began searching from Porlock Weir towards Lynmouth, joining their colleagues from Lynmouth Coastguard.

The weather overnight was poor, with strong winds, persistent rain and low cloud – which initially made it impossible or the Coastguard or helicopters to

join the search.

Early this morning, the Minehead lifeboats were also tasked to assist but, just after it was launched, the man was found by one of the many Coastguard search teams walking the South West Coast Path and other coastline paths.

Apart from being very wet and cold, he had no injuries and was walked off the remote path to safety and taken to Lynmouth Coastguard station where an ambulance attended to check him over.

Coastguards would like to remind those who walk the coastline always to take care, let someone know where they are going and what time they are due back, and to check the weather and tides before setting off.