A POLICE helicopter was dispatched during a 12-hour search for a man who went missing in West Dorset.

Along with the officers, the police helicopter started the search at around 10pm on Friday night within the area of Litton Cheney.

The man was located safe and well the following morning around 10.30am.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We received a report at 9.55pm on Friday, April 16 raising concern for the welfare of a man in Litton Cheney near Dorchester.

"Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, assisted by the NPAS (National Police Air Service) helicopter.

"The man was located safe and well at around 10.20am on Saturday, April 17."