A grouse beater lost in thick mist near Warcop has been found unhurt after one of the biggest rescue operations seen in the area in recent years.

The disappearance of the 40-year-old man triggered a major rescue operation that involved an RAF helicopter, ten mountain rescue teams, ten search and rescue dogs and military personnel.

He was found yesterday afternoon after being missing for 22 hours.

The unnamed man went missing on Hellbeck Fell and when he was finally found he was unharmed but in a confused state near the hill's summit, on land that borders the Warcop firing range.

As well as mountain rescuer teams, the search operation also involved the regiment from Warcop Training area and estate workers.

A spokesman for the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Association said the man when found had been completely disoriented. Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team said they were grateful for all the help from other mountain rescue teams in the area.

They included teams from Penrith, Kendal, Teesdale, Swaledale, Cleveland, Keswick, RAF Leeming, Patterdale, Duddon & Furness, and the Cave Rescue Organisation, as well as well as gamekeepers.

They ferried searches across the fells.

The team's statement added: “It was a grim night and the terrain was tough, so it was hard work all round."

The missing man was found at 2.15 pm, having been out of contact for nearly 22 hours. He was said to have not been suitably equipped for conditions on the fell.