POLICE searching for a missing woman have found a body in the River Irwell close to Bury town centre.

Officers were called to a stretch of the river close to Bury Grammar School at just before 1pm yesterday after a passer by spotted what he thought was a body.

The discovery the disappearance of Valerie Weston, aged 58, of Chapel Terrace, Ramsbottom, who was last seen at home at 10.50pm on Monday by neighbours who had left her address after spending the evening with her.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner. "

Inspector Andy Carter, of Lancashire Police, said: "We believe she went out for a wander in the back garden and fell into the river.

"Officers are supporting the family at this difficult time and our thoughts are with them."