Blue Peter's John Noakes Found In Storm Drain

Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes has been found in a storm drain near his Majorca home several hours after going missing.

The 81-year-old was taken to hospital but is in a stable condition, according to a post on the Facebook page of the town of Andratx, which had earlier put out an appeal for people to be on the look out for him.

Police began searching for Mr Noakes after his concerned wife Vicky appealed for information which could lead to his whereabouts.

She was particularly worried for her husband's wellbeing as he suffers from Alzheimer's disease and today is the hottest day of the year on the island.

"They are taking him by helicopter to the main hospital in Palma. He has been out in the sun for at least eight hours so I guess he is probably dehydrated," she said on her way to meet him after he was spotted in the overgrown culvert by a police helicopter.

"I knew it couldn't be far because he wouldn't have been able to walk that far.

"I would like to say that the emergency services have been really excellent and pulled out all the stops, and they were greatly helped by our friends and local people."

A police officer said: "He was found to have a weak heartbeat and was dehydrated. It has been very hot day here, with temperatures of around 36C.

"Emergency services took him to Son Espases hospital in Palma and he is expected to recover."

Mr Noakes is best known for fronting the children's programme Blue Peter, where he holds the record for the longest serving presenter.

His attempts to keep the show's excitable pet dog Shep under control led to his memorable catchphrase "Get down, Shep!"