Grandad, 81, who went missing for a week leaving family frantic ends up being found having a beer in the pub

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By Kim Novak

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An 81-year-old man left his family frantic after going missing for a week - only to be found safe and well and enjoying a pint in the pub.

Ronald Webster - known as Ronnie - had disappeared while "pottering around in his garden", before being seen leaving his home and catching a bus last Thursday afternoon.

His family was left distraught after he failed to return home, having left without his medication, a phone, and just the clothes on his back according to the Manchester Evening News.

After being reported missing and not being heard from for eight days, Ronnie was miraculously found... and he was sat in a pub enjoying a pint of beer like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Ronnie's granddaughter Paige Tattersall told the publication that her family was "broken" by the news he was missing, and were all worried sick about where he was - including his heartbroken wife.

Thankfully, their prayers were answered as - following a national search - Ronnie was found in a pub in Manchester, England, having traveled from Oldham, which is around 40 minutes away.

Ronnie had last been seen in Oldham, before a sighting on Monday on a bus headed to Huddersfield.

Sharing the joyful news that Ronnie had been found, Paige wrote on Facebook: "They have found him!!!! Will update properly soon but he's coming home!

"He was in b***dy Wetherspoons in Manchester drinking a pint [before] coming home. He got the train from Huddersfield to Scarborough to Bridlington like we thought."

She then joked: "He's absolutely fine he was just scared of going back to my gran I think! He knows he's in trouble!!"

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Thankfully, Ronnie was found safe and well and enjoying a nice cold pint of beer. Credit: Getty Images

Paige added: "We are absolutely elated. To get that phone call that they have found him safe and well will never ever be compared. And then to be able to reunited him grandma. We can all sleep tonight knowing he's home safe where he belongs."

Greater Manchester Police added on Twitter: "We are pleased to be able to share with you that we have found missing Ronnie safe and well, following a phenomenal effort from members of the public and police officers. He has been reunited with his family."

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Walker of GMP’s Oldham district, said: "This is the result we are always hoping for when we open investigations into missing persons. We are all relieved that Ronald is safe and well and that he has been reunited with his loved ones, who were understandably incredibly concerned.

"We are really thankful to the members of the public who shared our appeal, and partner agencies who assisted us with our enquiries."

Paige shared a follow-up post on Facebook, telling her friends and family: "My minds blown. 8 days! And hes found sat chilling in Manchester wetherspoons just casually drinking a pint.

"Hes laughed his head off saying Yorkshire police are slow and pulled out a backpack full of cans and snacks. Il never forget this as long as I live. Told him me and kieran have been on granada reports news on tv, he said oh that chanel doesnt work in Yorkshire.

"That man is absolutely precious, he's fine and dandy. Hasn't really eaten properly he said and spent a night on the harbour wall in Bridlington which is heartbreaking but he's home safe and in one piece and reunited with my gran.

"Thankyou GMP Oldham Central & Greater Manchester Police for everything. And every single person that has shared. Id love to know who saw him today sat drinking his pint. If you see this please message me, I need to come and hug you. My family are forever grateful."

Featured image credit: Getty Images