A body recovered from a reservoir in Holmfirth is believed to be that of missing Bradford health worker Neil Bryson, police confirmed last night.

West Yorkshire Police said specially-trained officers are in contact with relatives of the 50-year-old Bradford East locality service manager for Bradford District Care Trust, after a body was recovered from Brownhill Reservoir on Sunday morning.

Emergency services initially tried to reach the body on Saturday evening, but firefighters from Cleckheaton and Brighouse were forced to postpone the operation because of bad weather.

The body has yet to be formally identified, but is believed to be that of Mr Bryson, a father-of-two, who has not been seen since he left his home in Wadman Road, Scholes, Huddersfield, at about 6.30am on November 27.

The health boss’s car was later discovered the following day in a car park near Yateholme Reservoir – around a mile and a half away from where the body was found. Major search operations had been held by police, particularly in the area of the reservoir, close to the nearby village of Holme. Mounted police officers had also searched moors around Holme Moss.

Officers said there had been no sightings or contact from Mr Bryson to his family or to the police since his disappearance.

Before Christmas, the Telegraph & Argus reported how Mr Bryson’s wife, Janice Bryson, made a poignant plea through police for her husband to get in touch and tell her and their boys he is okay.

She said: “Neil, I just want you to know how much I love you and want you home.”

Nicola Lees, deputy chief executive of the care trust, said last night: “We are saddened by this tragic news and would like to extend our sincere condolences to Neil’s family, friends and colleagues at this most difficult time.

“We are in contact with the family and will continue to offer support.”