A MAN who disappeared from a care centre in Bishop Auckland was in hospital last night after being found by an elderly woman.

William Gardner, 52, was last seen by staff at the Goodall Centre, in Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close, just before 9pm on Tuesday.

They think he left the building about half an hour later, but became concerned because he had not taken vital medication with him.

Police appealed for help in finding Mr Gardner, who had no history of going missing.

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team sent out a 12-member team to search farmland to the south and west of the town as concern about his safety grew.

But almost 24 hours after he was last seen, an elderly woman saw Mr Gardner in the Auckland Park area and went to his assistance before telephoning an ambulance.

He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where there was no report available on his condition last night.