THE hunt for a woman missing from her North Yorkshire home for 15 days continues – but police now believe they will not find her alive.

North Yorkshire Police are working with North York Moors National Park rangers in their search for 68-year-old Barbara Colling from Helmsley.

Mrs Colling's son and daughter are assisting in the search, which is focused in the Newgate woods, Buxton woods, Birchwoods and Laskill House areas near Helmsley.

Mrs Colling was last seen walking along the B1257 near Abbotts Hag, at about 9.30am on Monday, January 28.

She is white, 5ft 2in, of a medium build and with medium-length blonde hair.

When she was last seen she was 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.

Inspector Andy Everitt said: "I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the search for Barbara - their efforts are greatly appreciated.

"I ask that people remain vigilant and contact the police if they can assist. Please check barns and outbuildings in case she has taken shelter from the weather."

Anyone with information about Mrs Colling is asked to call police on 101.