THE FAMILY of a pensioner who was discovered safe after spending a night in outside in the cold have thanked the police and neighbours for their help.

As reported in the late edition of yesterday's Worcester News, a massive police hunt was launched when 82-year-old Anton Stanojev, who was born in Romania, was reported missing by his wife Audrey at 8.30pm last night.

He had left his home in Worboys Road, St John's, Worcester, at 3.30pm for one of his frequent walks. Police used a helicopter and dogs to search through the night for the retired maintenance engineer, and in the early hours of Friday knocked on the doors of neighbours to ask if they had seen him.

They were particularly concerned for his welfare as he suffers from primary asymmetrical atrophy, a condition similar to Alzheimer's.

Although he speaks five different languages his condition means he has limited vocabulary. But just before 11am yesterday, he was discovered on the riverbank by Weir Lane, near Worcester Golf Range, after falling down and spending the night outside.

Paramedics were called, and when they found his keyring with his home number written on it they immediately phoned the family.

"It's such a relief," said his beaming daughter Marion.

"He's been out all night in the cold and we have been sat here waiting for news.

"Then 10 minutes ago the paramedics rang and passed the phone to my dad, who said his favourite phrase "Fancy place" - and I knew it was him."

Mr Stanojev - who has lived in Worboys Avenue for 42 years - was known for his love of walking but had never been out later than 8pm before.

Marion, who lives in Spring Lane, Worcester, said: "We're going to get him a mobile phone so he can be traced if this happens again.

"I want to thank everyone for being so kind helping us look for him."