THE family of a missing York schoolgirl have appealed for her to come home - or at least let them know she is safe.

The distraught aunt of 15-year-old Georgina North said that "life has come to a standstill" since the Huntington School pupil disappeared a week ago today.

The youngster left her home in Bell Farm Avenue, York, in the early hours of last Friday morning and has not contacted her family since.

Now Marie Evans, along with Georgina's parents, Dougie and Teresa North, and her three younger sisters, are appealing for Georgina to come home.

Marie, of Dodsworth Avenue, York, said: "Georgina has run away twice before, but she was only gone for a few hours.

"We have been to all her friends houses, we've searched the streets and we've given the police as much information as we can - we just want her to come home.

"It was just a silly family tiff; we just want to know she's safe. Her mum and dad are in a terrible state, their life has just come to a standstill."

Georgina is 5ft 5in tall and of slim build. She has an olive complexion, brown eyes, very long dark hair and wears a brace on her teeth.

She was wearing a denim jacket and platform boots.

Anyone who knows where Georgina is should phone her family or call the police on 01904 631321.

Meanwhile, police who are trying to trace missing man Ian Turner were today searching countryside around his home in Sherburn, near Malton.

Officers have become "increasingly worried" about the 45-year-old, who has been depressed recently, after he walked out of his home on September 30 following an argument with his partner.

Despite North Yorkshire Police teaming up with colleagues in South Yorkshire, because Mr Turner's parents live in Doncaster, there have been no positive sightings of him.

Today, after Mr Turner's home was searched for clues, officers began a wide search of the surrounding countryside.

Detective Sergeant Ian Fieldsend appealed for Mr Turner to get in touch, adding: "Ten days is too long for an adult to be out of contact."

Mr Turner, who sometimes walks with the aid of a stick, is 5ft 9in tall, of average build, with brown eyes and very short black hair.

He has a chubby face and pale complexion and has a soft voice. When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt, and was possibly carrying a black canvas case.

Mr Turner or any witnesses can contact police on 01723 509604.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, October 11, 2002