A HAMPSHIRE man who went missing in Spain has been found, five months after he was last seen.

Mike Bateman from Medstead, near Alton, was last seen in August after beginning a hike along the Camino trail.

However after starting the trail in Bilbao he went missing.

That sparked an international online appeal, coordinated by concerned family and friends, to find Mike.

But today in a message on Facebook his family said: "MIKE HAS CONTACTED US! This afternoon he called me from a farm he is working on, in a remote part of Spain, to say he is fine and was unaware until today that we were looking for him.

"He sounded very well! Needless to add we are all extremely relieved at the positive outcome. A huge thank you to all of you who shared and commented, offered help and advice.

"A special thank you too, to Herma, who worked tirelessly as a volunteer helping us. PLEASE if you could share again so that people know he has been found - we would like all those who took the time to share, to know the positive outcome! With thanks - the Bateman family!"