A MAJOR search took place on the North-East coast on Tuesday night for a 50-year-old man who was believed to be injured and in a vulnerable state.

He had last been seen leaving the medical centre in Staithes, North Yorkshire at 4.30pm and his disappearance was said to be giving North Yorkshire Police cause for concern.

Staithes Coastguard and Staithes and Runswick lifeboat had been searching the cliffs and shoreline from Boulby to Sandsend before Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team was called in to search some inland forested areas.

A statement on the Mountain Rescue Team’s Facebook page said: “As the team were planning their search the team's youngest and newest member, 23-year-old Matt Sleeman, spotted the missing person near our rendezvous.”

The man, from Boosbeck, east Cleveland, was treated by team members before being handed over to his doctor at the heath centre.

Police officers from North Yorkshire and a dog handler from Durham were also involved in the search.

Staithes Coastguard said: “Thank you and well done to all personnel involved in this incident.

"Please remember to dial 999 immediately and ask for Coastguard Rescue for all coastal incidents and emergencies.”