RESCUE experts today joined police yesterday to scour the countryside after a 64-year-old woman disappeared from her home.

Veronica Margaret Esarte-Sarries was reported missing from her home at Carlton, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, at 9.50am yesterday.

She had last been in contact with her family at 8.30am that day - and police are becoming increasingly concerned about her safety.

Extensive police searches are today being carried out in the area and officers were joined in their efforts by members of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team.

The missing woman was described as 5ft 3ins, of medium build with blonde, slightly greying, collar-length wavy hair.

She has grey eyes and it is believed she is wearing a black jacket and jeans.

Inspector Sarah Sanderson, said: "Both the police and Veronica's family are very concerned for her safety and I am appealing for anyone who may have seen her, or knows of her current whereabouts to contact us.

"Or, better still, if Veronica sees this appeal, please make contact with your family, friends or the police and let us know that you are safe.“ Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.