AN ELDERLY man who survived three days and nights out in the open has died.

Police launched a massive search after Frank Bleakley, aged 86, disappeared from Seymour House residential home in Astley Bridge.

As reported in the BEN, the great-grandad was found three days later huddled against a fence in the grounds of Beloit Walmsley on Crompton Way.

Mr Bleakley, who was dressed in light clothing, was taken to Bolton Infirmary suffering from hypothermia and dehydration but was otherwise unhurt. He died in hospital the following day.

His funeral is being held tomorrow at Holy Infants Church in Astley Bridge.

His only son Martin, 51, of Church Road, Smithills, said: "I would like to thank the Bolton Evening News for all the publicity it gave to my father's disappearance.

"It was a result of the stories that somebody who had seen an old chap wandering in the grounds of Beloit Walmsley alerted the police."

Mr Bleakley, who suffered from senile dementia, lived with his wife Kathleen, 87, on Rainshaw Street, Astley Bridge for 30 years before going into full-time care about six weeks ago.

An inquest into the cause of his death is due to be held.

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