A NOTORIOUS flying vet from Taunton has been found after going missing while taking part in a vintage air rally over Africa.

Maurice Kirk, 71, went missing somewhere between Sudan and Ethiopia earlier this week when he was taking part in the rally, flying from Cyprus to Cape Town in South Africa.

However, it has been reported on the Vintage Air Rally Facebook page that all the constestants, including Maurice Kirk, are safe and accounted for.

It has been said that the contestants have had some trouble getting to their pre-booked hotels for a currently unknown reason

The post stated: "All Vintage Air Rally (VAR) crews are currently in Gambela, where the Ethiopian authorities have elected to allocate accommodation at the airport rather than permit them to proceed to their pre-booked hotel.

"The reasons for this, at this time, are not 100% clear. There is no possibility to communicate with them but all participants, including Maurice Kirk, are safe and accounted for.

"The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is aware, is talking with other embassies, and is negotiating on their behalf."

Somerset County Gazette:

THE FLYING VET: Maurice Kirk. Photo: Alain Lockyer

Mr Kirk was asked by organisers to withdraw from the rally after suffering from two engine failures and a lack of navigational equipment, but apparently decided to continue.

As reported in the County Gazette, Mr Kirk was due to appear before magistrates on October 26 after police pulled him over in Taunton town centre when he was towing his plane.

He was charged with driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

However, he failed to make his court appearance and it was adjourned until this Friday.