A BODY found on farmland near Beaminster is believed to be that of missing pensioner Sara Taylor.

A member of the public reported that they had discovered a body, believed by police to be that of the 76-year-old, in the village of Mapperton just after 5pm on Saturday.

The tragic discovery was made two days after Mrs Taylor, who lived with her husband Peter near The Square in Beaminster, vanished while out walking.

Her disappearance sparked an intensive search involving the police helicopter, specialist officers, dogs and volunteers.

The community rallied round to help the search, putting up posters in shop windows in Beaminster and handing out flyers in the town.

Residents said they are saddened and shocked by the news.

Janet Page, Beaminster councillor for West Dorset District Council, said her thoughts are with Mrs Taylor’s family.

She said: “I’m so sorry for Sara Taylor family at this very difficult time.

“I would also like to say how admiring I am of the police because they put a lot of effort into trying to find her.

“This is a great tragedy and the whole community has been be affected by this sad news.”

A Beaminster resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s awful.

“When I heard what had happened I just couldn’t believe it.

“It’s so horrible – I just can’t stop thinking about it.”

Another resident, who also did not want to be named, said: “It’s such very sad news.

“The whole community really rallied round to help find Sara taylor and we have been quite shaken by the news.

“It’s very tragic and I’m just so sorry for her family.”

Mrs Taylor went missing from her home at around 3pm on Thursday.

She was last seen in the Co-op store in the town where she was pictured on CCTV and had not been heard from since.

Dorset Police launched a search for her the same evening and released pictures in an appeal for information about her whereabouts.

The search was called off on Saturday when officers received a report that a body had been found by a member of the public at Mapperton.

Inspector Roger Robinson of Dorset Police said: “We received a call reporting a body had been found in farmland near Beaminster.

“The body is believed to be that of Sara Taylor, who has been missing from the town since Thursday.

“The coroner has been informed and next of kin are aware.

“We would like to thank everyone who assisted police in the search over the past few days.

“Our thoughts are with Sara’s family at this difficult time.”

Police said Mrs Taylor was physically fit but could be ‘easily confused’.