THE body of a pensioner has been found in a peat bog in Lancashire.

Police believe the victim had fallen in the bog in Saddle Fell near Chipping and became trapped.

The man, thought to be a 75-year-old from Liverpool, could have been there for up to three weeks.

Police were contacted at about 5.20pm on Saturday when a walker made the discovery in the Trough of Bowland.

Due to the remote location, a search and rescue operation was launched the following morning involving the police helicopter and Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Watson said: "We believe the man travelled on the train from Ormskirk to Preston on September 10 and never made a return journey. A member of the public found the body but there was no phone reception. It took him a number of hours to walk off the fell to raise the alarm.

"The body has not yet been formally identified although we believe he is a 75-year-old man from Liverpool. It appears to have been a tragic accident and we are currently trying to trace next of kin. I appeal to anyone who thinks they know him to come forward."

Walkers are being urged to tell someone where they are going and to make sure they are fully equipped.

Phil O'Brien of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team added: "I urge walkers not to take any unnecessary risks and, where possible, to use appropriate maps. They should tell someone where they are going and when to expect them back.

"They should make sure they are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and to check the weather forecast before setting off."

A post-mortem examination will be carried out this week to establish the cause of death.

It is not being treated as suspicious, police said. Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 1253545.