Searches have centred on Great Whernside. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Police have used drones in the continuing search for a walker who has gone missing in the Yorkshire Dales.

David McCartney set out from his home on Monday, intending to recce an eight-mile walk in Wharfedale.

North Yorkshire Police said they had found the car belonging to the 74-year-old in Kettlewell.

A police spokesperson said: “Extensive resources have been allocated in the search to find David.

“Today, officers have focused on the Great Whernside area and have used two police drones to allow them to view aerial footage of vast open areas. Officers on the ground have been assisted by the National Police Air Service helicopter, search dogs, volunteer mountain rescue teams and the RAF.”

Missing walker David McCartney

Mr McCartney was described as an experienced walker. Police said he left his home in Keighley, West Yorkshire, wearing a blue cagoule, red trousers and an orange and brown scarf. He was carrying a red and black rucksack.

Critical incident Inspector Martin Smith said “We are extremely concerned for David’s welfare and significant multi-agency searches are planned for across the weekend.

“I urge anyone who is out walking in the Great Whernside, Kettlewell, Buckden, Grassington and Angram Reservoir areas this weekend to be vigilant and to report any immediate sightings of anyone matching David’s description to 999.”

Anyone else with information that might be helpful is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number NYP-18102021-0505.