A man missing overnight was found alive on Ilkley Moor after an extensive search operation on Friday.

Andrew Thornton, 49, of Yeadon, was discovered in an area called Rocky Valley, behind the popular Cow and Calf beauty spot, suffering from injuries after a huge search by police and mountain rescue teams.

Mr Thornton, who is said to be suffering depression, was treated at the scene by paramedics and mountain rescue personnel and then flown to Leeds General Infirmary at 10.25am.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance had landed on the moor at 9.30am.

At the scene Mick Smith, assistant leader with Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, said team members and police had been out searching for Mr Thornton since 3am. He said: “We have been searching throughout the night and this morning and we called upon the support of search and rescue dogs and the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association. Calder Valley started the search with about ten to 12 people and this morning we ramped it up with Upper Wharfedale and five search dogs.

“West Yorkshire Police helicopter was here last night carrying out a heat search and returned at first light and carried out a visual search.

“They found the man below an area known as Rocky Valley.

"He has been treated by mountain rescue personnel and air ambulance. Because of his injuries and the fact he had been out all night in cold weather we requested that air evacuation is appropriate.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said Mr Thornton’s injuries were not life threatening.