THE father of a six-year-old boy who went missing is hunting for the mystery man who ensured the youngster's safe return.

Fears had mounted for six-year-old Joe McCabe from the Starbeck area of Harrogate who was missing for more than an hour.

Now, his father David wants to trace the man who ensured Joe's swift return to his family so he can thank him personally.

Joe was spotted wandering in the Knaresborough Road area by the man who alerted North Yorkshire Police.

The youngster had walked for almost two miles alone before alerting someone to his lonely trek along some of the busiest roads in the town.

Mr McCabe said: "I hope the man hears about this and decides to get in touch.

"I would like him to contact me because I would just like to say a personal thank you to him for what he did.