MOORLAND rescue teams and police mounted a search after a man became lost on the moors above Marsden in bleak conditions.

But after a two-hour operation, he was found safe and well.

The 44-year-old walker had phoned a relative in Liverpool yesterday morning to say he was lost and was in an orange tent and sitting in a sleeping bag.

West Yorkshire Police were alerted around 10am and they mounted a search with Holme Valley Search and Rescue Team and Oldham Mountain Rescue.

A police spokeswoman said the hunt began in the Wessenden Moor area.

Police and the RAF could not use helicopters because of poor visibility, with driving rain and snow.

Just before 12.30pm the man was contacted via his mobile phone.

He was found safe and well about 1.40pm.

Peter Phillips, Holme Valley team leader, said: "Despite falling snow and freezing conditions the man was found in Short Grain, sheltering in a grouse butt. He was able to walk off the moor with assistance and he was guided down to safety in the Wessenden Valley. Apparently he had been spending a night camping out, to test some newly-bought equipment."

Police did not reveal the man's name.