Incredible story of missing walker Harry Harvey's 48-hour ordeal in the Dales revealed

Retired shipyard worker Harry Harvey had travelled from Tynemouth to take part in an organised walking and camping trip in Swaledale when he became separated from the group, and the alarm was raised at around 1.30pm on Sunday when he did not appear at a rendez-vous point.

After an intensive 48-hour search operation involving police, mountain rescue volunteers, the RAF and gamekeepers from the Gunnerside estate, Mr Harvey was finally found when he flagged down a passing wildlife photographer on Tuesday morning.

He had spent almost four days out in the open - and 48 hours alone - and rescuers feared they would not find him alive.

Mr Harvey was reunited with his son Phil and daughter Naomi at the Tan Hill Inn, the remote pub which also provided overnight accommodation and refreshments for the search party. The news that he had been found came shortly before a police press conference was due to be held involving Phil and Naomi. Mr Harvey's wife Dorothy remained at their home in Tynemouth.

The pensioner and a friend had camped out on Friday night and on Saturday set off towards Gunnerside, but became separated from each other in poor weather.

Mr Harvey fell off a bridge over a stream, banged his head and lost his compass while trying to avoid a mink trap. He survived on tinned beans and noodles, as well as bananas - but admit he did fear he would run out of food before he regained his bearings.

He said he saw the police helicopter overhead and several people on the moors, but did not realise they were searching for him and was attempting to make his own way home. He was carrying a tent with him so was able to 'wild camp' during the nights.

He finally found his way to a road near Keld, where he attracted the attention of passing driver Annette Pyrah, who was looking for grouse to photograph and had assumed from news reports that the missing man would not have survived. Ironically, he was only a short distance from the pub where his family, emergency services and an ITV Calendar news crew had gathered, and ended up speaking live at the press conference that had been planned as an appeal featuring his children.

After being embraced by his son and daughter, Mr Harvey was taken inside the pub - where he had actually stayed the night before setting out on his hike - for a meal and to warm up by the fire.

Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team have thanked all those who took part in the search, including local gamekeepers who donated their ATV vehicles to the effort.