Police searching for missing County Durham man Darren Blyth have found a body.
Darren, 55, was last seen leaving his home in Trimdon Station to take photographs at Hawthorn Dene on Wednesday evening.
However he did not return, and was reported missing to police late that night by his wife Mel, 53.
Since Wednesday, police have been carrying out extensive searches across the east coast and surrounding areas and followed up on a number of reported sightings of Darren.
He had last been spotted on The Cleveland Way and missing person posters were placed around the area.
Survival expert and family friend Ray Mears had been helping police by studying the area where he was last sighted and suggested where he might go for food and shelter.
Wife Mel said Darren had been "stressed about the risks of Covid and the effect on his role as a teacher" and that it had impacted his mental health.
Police have now confirmed that officers have found a body in the search for Darren in the Hawthorn area.
Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be the Stokesley School & Sixth Form College biology teacher.
There is not believed to be any third party involvement in his death and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: "We are saddened to report that a body has been found in the search for Darren Blyth.
"The body of a man was recovered from the Hawthorn area yesterday evening (Sunday, April 25th).
"Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 55-year-old.
"Darren’s family have been informed and are being supported by police.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
"We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Darren's family at this difficult time."
