A MAN reported missing from home was rushed to hospital after being found by a search dog in a gorge.

Volunteers from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team (TWSMRT) were called out to search for the middle-aged man in the Tow Law area of County Durham on Sunday.

The man had not been seen since Friday evening and police were concerned for his welfare.

Adam Hearn, TWSMRT deputy team leader, said "We concentrated our search on wooded areas to the south west of Tow Law.

“Because of the nature of the terrain, we initially covered the area with one of our mountain rescue search dogs with his handler, followed up by other team members.

“After about an hour of searching, the dog indicated to the handler and took her into a steep-sided gorge where she located the missing man.”

Experts from the team trained in crag rescues were called to assist the recovery of the casualty who was suffering from severe hypothermia.

He was rushed to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance. The man's condition is not known.

“In all we had 12 mountain rescue personnel and of course Sam the dog at the incident," said Mr Hearn.