Marie Robeson, who has Alzheimer's Disease, was reunited with her husband Gilbert at their home in Langney at 2020 GMT.

She had disappeared from the Langney Shopping Centre cafe at 1400 GMT while he went to buy drinks for them both.

Sussex Police launched a search operation involving the force's dog unit, helicopter, CCTV operators and special constables, as well as 30 officers.

Four miles on foot

Mrs Robeson was spotted at the junction of Polegate High Street and the A22 at 2000 GMT by a man who recognised her description from a radio appeal.

Police believe she probably walked the four miles from Langney Shopping Centre to Polegate.

Neighbourhood policing inspector Marion Sandwell praised the community and the media for their help in the search.

She said: "Without everyone pulling together, and working as one team, I dread to think of the consequences.

"I'm personally grateful to the man who located Marie - his diligence and quick thinking meant we were able to reunite Marie with her husband."