BEN Dean’s carer was left relieved when she discovered he had been found safe and well.
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Wiggy Brennan provides support to the six-year-old at the Beechworth Montessori School.
When news came through that Ben had been found sitting on the ground off McFeeters Road, barefoot and reading a book, she was “very relieved”.
“He's a strong little boy and he's very brave,” she said, her voice quivering with emotion.
“He's very resilient.
“But even still, with the weather last night it was very scary knowing he was out there.”
Ms Brennan had also joined the search.
“You can't not be searching, can you?” she said.
“You've just got to keep looking until he's found.
“His parents are extraordinary – they've been amazing under this pressure.
“It must have been incredibly worrying for them.
“What a way for them to become part of the community – everyone knows them now.”
Rescuer John McLennan said Ben had spoken of being chased by a “big bear” – which he believes was a wombat.
“He was sitting on the ground, amongst the trees, just past the treatment plant,” he said.
“I could not believe it.
“I couldn't believe it was him.”
Ben's family are likely to host a barbecue to thank those who were involved in the search.
The six-year-old was not injured during the ordeal and was released from Albury hospital on Thursday night.
