A TEENAGER said yesterday that all he wanted for his 18th birthday was a cuddle and kiss from his missing mother.

John Jnr Swift told his family his dream present would be to see his mother, Jacqueline, walk through the front door again.

Mrs Swift, from Hartlepool, went missing on Easter Monday and, despite numerous appeals, has not been seen since.

Her husband, John, said yesterday: "I just broke down when John Jnr told me the best present he could have had for his birthday was a kiss and cuddle from his mum, what can you say to that?

"He did have a small party last night with the family, but he was reluctant to in case it upset me.

"However, his mum will want to know he had a good time and, even though it is soul destroying, we were determined it went ahead."

Mrs Swift, 44, was last seen when she went to buy cigarettes from a shop yards from her Furness Street home.

There appears to be no reason why she would disappear, but Mr Swift believes she may have suffered work-related stress, adding he will sell the couple's wet-fish business.

Despite police intensifying their search for Mrs Swift on Monday they are still unsure as to why she disappeared or of her whereabouts.

Acting Detective Inspector Tony Riordan said: "We appeal to anyone who has any information to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact (01642) 302126.