Frail grandmother found safe after police and mountain rescue teams scour woods

More than 40 police and mountain rescue workers spent yesterday searching for diabetic heart patient Evelyn Bumby, 57, who was believed to have got lost or injured herself while walking near the family farm just outside Hutton-le-Hole, near Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Police used specialist tracker dogs and rescue teams and had an RAF Sea King helicopter on standby.

However, the search was called off just before midnight. Police issued a brief statement saying Evelyn was discovered close to her home and was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

Earlier, police said search conditions were difficult as the area was hemmed in by thick woods and fields of crops.

There was a risk that searchers could pass within yards of Mrs Bumby without spotting her, according to Inspector Andy Everitt, of Ryedale Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Mrs Bumby has two grown-up children and two grandchildren at a local school where she volunteers. She also helps to run the family farming business.

It is believed she came home at lunchtime on Friday, got changed, and headed out on foot. Her family reported her missing on Saturday morning.