THE search for missing Colwall man Michael Parrott ended happily when he was found alive and well just a short distance from his home.

And Mr Parrott’s family have quite rightly praised the local residents and the police officers who took part in the search for him, the former giving up their own time to do so.

Such a spirit is typical of a community such as Colwall.

Sad to say, incidents like this will likely occur more and more often in the future, given that people are living longer all the time, extending their lifespans into the years when dementia becomes more likely.

It is greatly be hoped that medical science will improve its knowledge and techniques to the point where dementia can perhaps be controlled, alleviated and, maybe even reversed.

But until that point is reached, dementia will continue to touch many communities and families, and the community spirit such as that demonstrated in Colwall a few days ago will continue to be needed and welcomed.

It is to be hoped that this kind of community spirit will be much in evidence when the new-look Malvern Hills District Council starts to move into action.

The fresh coalition administration appears to have listened to the voices on the doorstep which have been saying that the people want action and results, not rhetoric and political point-scoring. Goodness knows that there has been more than enough of that across the country in recent times.