Members of the public joined mountain rescuers in the search for Mr Morgan. Photo: Longtown MRT

A man who went missing in Monmouthshire was found after being on a hillside for almost 24 hours.

Abergavenney man James Huw Morgan was reported missing after going walking near his home town.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by Gwent Police at 10pm on Friday to request members’ assistance in searching for the 69-year-old.

About 20 team members and a search dog and handler mounted an operation on Ysgyryd Fach and the surrounding area until 6am. The search resumed five hours later, with a boat team joining the search on parts of the River Usk, in addition to the operation on the 270m hill, also known as Skirrid Fach or Little Skirrid, east of Abergavenney.

A Longtown MRT spokesperson said: “Due to the phenomenal public response and concern for the missing man, the team made a plan with the police to support the members of public who wanted to help with the search.

“This resulted in many parties going onto the hill with members of the public led by mountain rescue personnel.

“At approximately 1.30pm, and after being missing for nearly 24 hours, mountain rescue team members successfully found the missing man on Skirrid Fach. After assessment and treatment by team medics, he was quickly evacuated and transferred to a waiting ambulance for further treatment.

“The team would like to wish the gentleman a full and speedy recovery and Christmas wishes to all his family. We would also like to thank the public for their help and support over the last 24 hours.”