Police today urged walkers to let others know their plans, after a Bingley couple sparked a massive rescue operation.

The advice came after mountain-rescue teams and a helicopter spent hours combing the Skipton countryside for a man and woman who failed to return to their car on Sunday.

The couple appeared yesterday morning having spent the night with friends.

Sergeant Bernie Winder of North Yorkshire Police said walkers should leave basic details with someone so that searches did not have to start from scratch.

He said: "People who are going walking should leave details of their route with a friend or relative. They should also leave an estimated time of their return. If they don't come back, that person can contact the police and we can start looking for them."

Taking a mobile phone and leaving a contact number was also recommended, he added.

The hunt began after Jonathan Coles and his partner did not return to their vehicle in Cray in Upper Wharfedale after nine hours.

The landlord of the White Lion pub reported the couple missing at 9pm on Sunday.

Two RAF teams and volunteers from the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Organisation in Grassington started to search, focusing on Cray and Yockenworth.

The pair returned at 11.15am on Monday.

They had walked in a different direction to that thought and stayed with friends in West Burton.

Last night the couple were at their home in Cleveland Terrace.

Mr Coles said the situation was quite embarrassing.