POLICE trying to identify a woman whose body was found in a stream have appealed for help from weekend walkers.

The body was found near Horton-in-Ribblesdale, in the Yorkshire Dales, on Monday.

Despite a nationwide appeal for help, police are still no nearer to identifying her.

Chief Inspector Tad Nowakowski said the woman could have gone missing up to three weeks ago.

"A walker may have been the last person to see her alive, and his or her information could be vital," he said.

"We have two questions to ask people: Do you know this woman, and, if not, have you seen her in the Pen-y-Ghent area in the past three weeks?

"She must have a family, friends, a partner - someone could solve the riddle of her identity with a phone call."

Police say the body was discovered close the entrance to Sell Gill Hole, yards from the Pennine Way route.

The woman was 4ft 11in and possibly Oriental. She had brown eyes and brown hair, cut just below shoulder length. Both ears were pierced, but there were no earrings and she wore a gold band on her wedding finger.

She was wearing fern green Marks and Spencer jeans, and a short-sleeved T-shirt with green and white hoops was found near the body.

Anyone who can help is asked to call (01423) 539334.