A schoolboy whose disappearance sparked a massive 12 hour search by police divers and mountain rescue teams has been found safe and well in a tree.
Sam Prosser, 12, was reported missing by his worried mum and dad, David and Jenny Prosser, on Wednesday morning.
Grammar school pupil Sam was eventually found unharmed up a tree in Coombs Wood, Cumbria, less than half a mile from his home.
His relieved father Dr David Prosser told his local paper that he appreciated all the help the family had received while Sam was missing.
"We are very grateful for all the support from the police and mountain rescue teams, and the local community for their help in finding him safe and well," he said.
Around 60 people were deployed in the hunt which involved police officers, divers, three mountain rescue teams, and search and rescue dogs.
"We were concerned because he is a 12-year-old, he was missing for some time and hadn't done anything like this before," said search coordinator Inspector Dave Willetts. "It's a very rural location, he was on foot and knew the woods well, so that's where we concentrated the search.
"We knew he hadn't gone to school. His parents were very concerned and worried."
Mike Hill, team leader of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team eventually found the youngster while searching woodland.
"He was found up a tree safe and well with no problems at all, and returned to his parents," Mr Hill said. "Hopefully, he has learned from the experience."