Mr Parry's body was found downstream of Lacy's Caves. Photo: Charles Rispin CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mountain rescuers were joined by seven search dogs and fire and rescue service crews in a search for a missing 81-year-old man in Cumbria.

The search was sparked when some of the man’s possessions were found by a member of the public at Lacy’s Caves on the banks of the River Eden.

Police called out Penrith Mountain Rescue Team at 6pm on Wednesday and 20 volunteers from the team searched the river banks and wooded areas near the caves, north of Little Salkeld near Penrith.

A team spokesperson said: “The search was called off after all the initial search areas had been covered at 10.30pm.

“Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit also assisted with a limited search of various mine entrances in the area.

“At 4pm on Thursday the team was again contacted by the police, as a body had been found in the river approximately 100m downstream from Lacy’s Caves.

“Due to the location, a swiftwater rescue team from Penrith MRT was deployed and the body was recovered to an awaiting ambulance at Daleraven Bridge.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends of the gentleman involved.”

Cumbria Constabulary named the man as John Michael Parry, aged 81, of Penrith.

A police spokesperson said: “There are no suspicious circumstances at this time and the details have been passed to the coroner.”