AN elderly man has been found safe and well after a search was launched.

Police and the coastguard helicopter searched an area of Studland tonight after receiving a concern for welfare call.

Officers received a call at 3.35pm saying an elderly man at the Studland side of the Sandbanks Ferry was in a confused and upset state, and told staff at the ferry terminal that he had got on the wrong bus and wanted to get to Wareham.

Staff told him to wait at the bus stop for Wareham, however it was later established with the bus driver that he did not get on the bus.

A spokesman for the force said: "The man's family contacted police after seeing the appeal and confirmed he is now back home in Wareham."