A MAN who was reported missing while wild camping in the Lake District has been found safe and well.

A joint operation was launched involving police and mountain rescue teams, including Cockermouth, Duddon and Furness, Wasdale, RAF MRT and a Sea King helicopter, after Gary Lupton, 47, did not return after a two day trip.

He had left his parents in the Wasdale area on Wednesday (May 20) for two days camping and agreed to meet his them at Wasdale Head on Friday (May 22) at 3pm but did not return.

Cockermouth MRT was called out today (May 24) at 9.20am to aid the search.

He was found fit and well  at around 10.15am on Gavel Neese on, Great Gable, by RAF rescuers.

The camper was helped down to the Wasdale Head Inn.