The family of the man missing from his Kent care home for three days has paid tribute to the dozens of people who helped look for him.

Bryn Mellor, 71, who had dementia and a heart condition, was found in the garden of a derelict house in Sturry just after 4.15pm.

He went missing from his care home in Park View on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement his family said: "We are overjoyed to have Bryn back with us and would like to pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who has been involved in the search.

"That includes Kent Police, the Kent Search and Rescue volunteers, the community in Sturry, the soldiers from Howe Barracks and the media. They have all been brilliant."

Inspector Steve Parks from Kent Police said: "Mr Mellor was found by a member of staff from the care home, who had joined in the search for him.

"Mr Mellor was conscious but was suffering from mild exposure and is currently being checked over by ambulance staff.

"He has also been reunited with his family, who are with him at the moment."

Earlier this week, his daughter Lorraine Herbert, 39, choked back the tears as she pleaded for the safe return of her father.

More than 40 police and volunteers had joined in the hunt for the missing man but he was discovered by a neighbour's dog.

Officers had also asked bus companies, taxi firms and royal mail to look out for him too.