THE SON and daughter of a missing North Yorkshire woman have thanked everyone involved in the search for her.

Barbara Colling, 68, has been missing since last Monday from her home in Helmsley after setting off for a walk towards Stokesley.

In a statement issued through North Yorkshire Police, Lizzy Firmin and Rob Colling said: “The response from everyone involved in the search for mum has been tremendous.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the local community - they have been absolutely fantastic and we cannot thank them enough.”

Mrs Firmin added: “As the searches are continuing during the week, we are asking people to continue volunteering and carry on with their much appreciated effort.

“We are asking that people remain vigilant when they are out and about. If they do see anyone matching mum’s description please contact the police straight away.”

The volunteers from the local community, Park Rangers from North York Moors National Park and search and rescue teams will continue to search in the Newgate woods, Buxton woods, Birch woods and Laskill House areas near the town.

Mrs Colling was last seen walking along the B1257 near Abbotts Hag at around 9.30am on Monday, January 28, as well as in Newgate Woods, near the town.

She is described as white, 5ft 2in tall, with a medium build and medium length blonde hair. When she was last seen she wearing a navy blue jacket, blue trousers, a black woollen hat with ear flaps and black boots. It is thought she was carrying a black rucksack.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101.