by Emma Grove

A plane which went missing off the coast of Sheppey yesterday has been found with the pilot safe and well - in Switzerland.

An RAF search and rescue helicopter was scrambled yesterday afternoon after reports of a missing aircraft which had last been seen off Sheerness.

The two-seater Rutan VariEze, which is a home built air craft, left Cambridge at about 11.30am yesterday.

It was headed to Lydd airport, but after it failed to arrive a search was launched along the Kent coastline.

The Sea King Chopper, from RAF Chivenor in Dorset, started the search in the Shoeburyness area at about 2.25pm.

The helicopter left the scene at about 4.20pm to refuel, but then returned to search the Essex side of the estuary.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) coordinated the search, which was called off at about 8.30pm yesterday.

At 7.30am today, the ARCC had a phone call to confirm the pilot had landed in Switzerland.

A spokesman for the ARCC said: "The air craft and pilot are safe and well and back home in Switzerland.

"He was heading towards Lydd but due to weather he decided to go direct to Switzerland - he changed his mind when he was just past Southend.

"He thought the rules he was flying under meant he didn't have to inform anyone - he misinterpreted the rules by accident and is very apologetic and embarrassed."