The family of a 14-year-old schoolgirl who vanished 12 days ago made an emotional appeal today for her return in time for Christmas.

Bradford police say they are increasingly concerned for the safety of Sherrylee Oliver who has been missing since leaving Wyke Manor School on Monday, December 9.

Her grandmother Madge Oliver, 53, said the family were "frantic with worry" and have put up a series of posters around Bradford city centre appealing for any information as to her whereabouts.

Today she appealed to her granddaughter to come home.

She said: "I would just say to Sherrylee, please come home, we all love you. Just pick up the phone and call us, even if it is only to say that you are safe.

"Your Christmas presents are here waiting for you to open and I just want to give you a hug and tell you that I love you."

Mrs Oliver, of Buttershaw Drive, Buttershaw, added that Sherrylee had been spotted by a school friend outside Morrisons supermarket on Westgate, Bradford on Monday. She was with a woman believed to be in her 40s and was still wearing the school uniform she had on when she first disappeared.

Mrs Oliver added: "We will not be celebrating Christmas unless Sherrylee is here to enjoy it with us.

"I have not put up any decorations and there will be no Christmas tree until she comes home."

Sherrylee's mother Samantha Oliver, 31, of Lastingham Green, Buttershaw, said she feared her daughter may be sleeping rough.

"All the family are missing her and if she could just pick up the phone and tell us she is okay it would be such a relief," she said.

"We are terrified of the thought of her being on the streets, if she is she could catch anything in this cold weather.

"We can't understand why she has gone, we hadn't even had an argument."

Mrs Oliver said her daughter had run away from home in September but returned the following day saying she had just wanted to do "her own thing".

Police are appealing for help in tracing the youngster who is described as being white, 5ft 4ins tall and of large build.

She has brown shoulder length hair which she usually wears tied back, brown eyes and a small semi-circular scar on her left cheek.

She was last seen wearing black trousers, a white t-shirt, grey jacket and black shoes.

Detective Inspector John Armitage said: "We are investigating several sightings of Sherrylee in the Bradford area last week. If Sherrylee hears or sees this appeal we would ask her to please get in touch.

"Don't be frightened, you are not in trouble, all we want to do is make sure you are safe and well."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Odsal Police Station on (01274) 376656 or the Bradford Central Police Station helpdesk on (01274) 376459.

Mum and gran are pictured putting up a poster about Sherrylee.