Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes missing from his Majorca home

Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes, 81, has been reported missing from his home in Majorca.

The children’s TV star from Shelf, a hero to generations of viewers, disappeared this morning on Spain’s hottest day so far this year, his wife Vicky said.

She has put out an appeal for information on his whereabouts.

Local police, who said the Halifax-born star has Alzheimer’s disease, are taking part in the search.

Mrs Noakes said: “I’m sure he’ll turn up. It’s just that he’s gone missing on the hottest day of the year so far.”

Mr Noakes was Blue Peter’s longest-serving presenter. He joined the programme in 1965 and stayed for 12 years.

He became known as the series’ “action man”, performing a succession of dangerous-looking stunts, but after leaving retired to a quieter life of sailing around the Mediterranean, after which he and his wife settled in the Majorca town of Andratx.