A GRATEFUL pensioner has thanked the police for their help in finding his frail wife, who had gone missing during the busy Continental Market held in St Helens town centre.

Theresa Evans, 79, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, wandered away from her husband Anthony as he queued in the Halifax Bank on Saturday July 17.

Mr Evans, who has been his wife's carer for several years, approached PC Chris Nicholson who radioed his colleagues patrolling the town centre.

Explaining what happened, Mr Evans, also 79, said: "I was in turmoil and this young officer walked twice round St Helens with me to look for her.

"He was very patient and was trying to buck me up because I was so upset."

When the call came in from Community Support Officer Anne Carrera saying that Mrs Evans had been found near St Helens town hall, he said he was over the moon.

Concern

A relieved Anne said: "That Saturday it was very busy and after 10 to 15 minutes there is a concern that something bad may have happened.

"But you have to keep positive and in the end we found her safe."