AN intensive ground and air search has been launched for a missing mother-of-one.

Julia Graham, 40, went missing from her home at Kipling Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, near Peterlee, east Durham, on Thursday.

Due to freezing overnight temperatures, police are anxious to find her.

Searches, involving an RAF helicopter and North-East air support unit plane, have focused on clifftops and beaches near Blackhall Colliery.

Mrs Graham was last seen wearing a beige coat, brown top and jeans. She is described as slim, with short, dark brown, cropped hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0191-586 2621.