POLICE last night issued an urgent plea for a woman, who has been missing from home since New Year's Day, to contact her family.

Vanessa Lynne Wilson, 49, of Brunton Street, Darlington, has not been seen since 1am that day, at the home she shares with her mother.

She is said to suffer from memory lapses and police and her family are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

PC Alastair Rogowski, of Darlington police, said she used to live in North Yorkshire and it was possible that she was now in that area.

He said: "She doesn't drive, so she would have to rely on public transport."

Ms Wilson is 5ft 7in, of large build, with short, collar-length dark brown hair. She may have been wearing a pink coat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 60 60 365.