A Hampshire pensioner who sparked a desperate search after going missing has been found.

As reported by the Daily Echo, concerns were raised for Robin Hughes after he failed to turn up for a family gathering earlier this week, sparking fears for his safety.

And yesterday his family issued a plea for him to come home in time for Christmas.

But today Hampshire Police have revealed that the 70-year-old dementia sufferer has been found.

In a statement a police spokesman said that Mr Hughes had been found in the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

He added that the pensioner had been admitted there for treatment on Tuesday evening.

The spokesman said: "As he did not have identification with him, we have only been informed this afternoon that this is the case, as medical staff have been working in the meantime to inform his family who have now been updated."

It is the news his family had been desperate to hear.

Mr Hughes had been due to spend Christmas with his family - an occasion he was looking forward to.

In an appeal to find her him his sister Denise said yesterday: “All we want is to have him home for Christmas. We are so worried about him because we know he must be frightened and confused.

“He was really looking forward to our Christmas meal out but I’ve had to cancel it this morning because I couldn’t go through with it without him.

“I had even bought him new clothes for the meal because he always liked to look smart.

“I just hope that if anyone sees him that they will spare a few moments to call the police and let us know where he is.

“He loves company and he will talk to anyone, so please, look out for him and if you do see him, take the time to stop and make sure he is ok before calling the police.”

Mr Hughes had last been seen at his home in Hamtun Street in the Old Town area of the city around 2pm on Tuesday.

It is thought he was wearing a green tweed jacket, a Trilby hat and a shirt and tie.

He has links to the New Milton and Lymington area, as well as Salisbury.

Please come home for Christmas: Family plea to missing pensioner