Photo: RCMP

A four-year-old boy who became separated from family while berry-picking spent 30 hours alone in the woods before being spotted and rescued.

George Hazard-Benoit was found safe and sound after spending Saturday night and part of Sunday in thick, dense woods in the Lions Lake area in Mackenzie, RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said in a release.

Missing child found safe

"An extensive ground and air search commenced and numerous resources came to help search for George. Search and rescue teams from across the province, BC Wildfire Service, the Mackenzie Fire Department, RCMP and volunteers searched for George," Saunderson said.

"The RCMP wish to thank the SAR teams and all the volunteers who put their personal lives on hold, to help search for George. The search was a priority, not only for police, first responders and SAR, but for the volunteers who dropped what they were doing and joined the search."

George was spotted on Sunday at 6:43 p.m. as the RCMP Air 3 helicopter flew over him. They guided rescuers to the boy and then they landed and flew him to hospital.

"He was reunited with his mom and dad," Saunderson said.

"He was reported to be a little dehydrated and hungry, but otherwise in good health following his time spent in the woods."

Photo: RCMP

Photo: File