Relief as missing Whitley Bay dad Martin Cooper is found safe and back with family

Missing Martin Cooper is back with his family after disappearing for more than 24 hours.

The Chronicle told on Tuesday how police and relatives were searching for the retired English teacher who vanished from his Whitley Bay home on Monday morning.

But his family has now confirmed he was found in Scotland on Tuesday evening.

Dad-of-three Martin travelled back to Tyneside on Wednesday and is now back home with his wife, Mary.

Martin's son Joe has told of his relief.

The 38-year-old said: "He's been found safely near Fort William. We were extremely worried."