THE body of a Limerick pensioner who vanished in northern Italy almost 18 months ago has been recovered.

DNA tests have confirmed that a body found by the Italian authorities is that of missing Limerick pensioner Mairead Geary.

The search for a missing 82-year-old Limerick woman in Italy has been scaled down.

FEARS for the wellbeing of an elderly Limerick widow increased last night at an Italian lake resort where she has been missing since last Friday.