A missing man who sparked a a major search has been found safe and well. 

Police were concerned for the welfare of 39-year-old James Hilton, who was last seen in Milton Road, Bournemouth at around 7.30am on Thursday.

The police helicopter was scrambled in the search for him last night.

A Dorset police spokesperson said: "He was in contact with family at around 1.30pm this afternoon, however he did not attend work when expected or return home this evening. His family believe he was in a distressed state of mind."

A Dorset Police spokesperson said James had connections with the Charminster and Dean Park areas of Bournemouth, Sandbanks in Poole and Corfe Mullen.

Police focused their searches on these areas, with the National Police Air Service and search dogs also tasked.

This afternoon a spokesperson for Dorset Police said James had been located in Derby and was safe and well.