Body found in search for missing man

Police are yet to formally identify the man's body but friends of John Pedelty fear the worst.

The body was spotted in the sea near Redcar, east Cleveland, on Sunday and recovered by officers.

The find came just hours after hopes were raised when police received reports that Mr Pedelty, a former town planner, had been seen in a betting shop in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Saturday.

The 59-year-old walked out of the Lambton Ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 10.

Darlington police have been increasingly concerned for his welfare, as he is described as vulnerable and possibly in need of medication.

Officers have visited places Mr Pedelty was known to frequent, particularly the Thames Shopping Centre, Newton Aycliffe, in the hope he had been seen in betting offices, shops and pubs.

Darlington police have also spoken to other forces about Mr Pedelty, and some of his friends. They were also extremely concerned for his welfare, as no money has been withdrawn from his bank account since he disappeared.

His friends in Canada and Poland have been helping police with their inquiries, providing information about his life from letters that he sent them, the latest of which was received in September.

They had read about his disappearance on The Northern Echo's website and made pleas for Mr Pedelty to contact them in the hope that they could care for him.

They described him as easy going, quick to help and the gentlest and most considerate person on earth, after he helped them in the 1960s when Communist Poland was shut off from the West.

Mr Pedelty, who is from the Eldon area, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is described as being of a large build with a fair complexion.

He has blue eyes, unkempt, receding white hair, a beard and thick-rimmed glasses and was last seen wearing grey jogging trousers, a mustard- coloured anorak and trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681.