PENSIONER Charles Dickens, 69, who disappeared a month ago from Darlington Memorial Hospital, has been found safe.

Mr Dickens has a history of sleeping rough. He had been sighted in various locations, but there were concern over his health. After an appeal on television's Crimewatch Daily programme, he was seen in a caf in Dunfermline, Scotland.

Police say they have spoken to Mr Dickens and are satisfied he is fit and well