A LOCAL businesswoman spotted a missing man just minutes after reading a story in the Cornish Times.

Sally Marshall, who owns the Guildhall Barbers in East Looe, buys a copy of the paper every Friday, and was astounded when she glanced out of her window to see a man who fitted the picture and description of someone who had been reported as missing from his home at Altarnun since March 7.

'I looked at the paper again to make sure it was definitely him and dialled 999,' said Sally.

'The police asked me to follow the man at a discreet distance and to keep in contact with them on my mobile phone until they arrived.

'I did as they asked and the local community police officer from Looe caught up with us near The Banjo Pier on the seafront. He then took over the situation and I was able to get back to my customers!'