Skeletal remains found in West Lothian last year have been identified as a man who went missing 16 years ago.

James Adams disappeared from his home in Brisbane Street, Livingston on September 2, 1996. There was no sign of the 56-year-old for over a decade despite a missing person investigation.

His body was found on the banks of the River Almond on April 4, 2011 as officers searched for missing Mary Ferns.

The remains were badly decomposed but police said there are no suspicious circumstances. A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

There is still no sign of Mary Ferns, 88, who vanished after leaving her Livingston home in 2008.

Her disappearance was said to be "out of character" when she went missing on June 17, 2008, when it is believed she was on her way to Almondvale Shopping Centre. It is thought she then got on a bus after family members identified her from CCTV images on Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Lothian and Borders Police is still searching for Mary Ferns and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.