Concern was mounting today for the safety of a 14-year-old York schoolgirl who has been missing for nearly five days.

Corrina Steele, who is also known as Corrina Laycock: she has been missing from her home in Bishopthorpe since last Saturday night and is thought to be with her boyfriend, James Clark, from Copmanthorpe

Tadcaster Grammar School pupil Corrina Steele - who is also known as Corrina Laycock - of Keble Park North, Bishopthorpe, was last seen by her distraught parents on Friday.

The sixth of seven children, she is believed to be with her boyfriend, James Clarke, 17, of Millers Croft, Copmanthorpe, who is also missing.

James's father, Barry Clarke, said he too was worried about the teenagers and had heard nothing from them.

Corrina's step-father, Jim Laycock, appealed to his daughter to let them know if she is safe.

He said: "We have not had any news whatsoever and as time goes on we are getting very worried.

"If she could just get a message to us, by any means, to let us know she is all right."

Geoff Mitchell, head teacher of Tadcaster Grammar School, said Corrina was a hard-working pupil and her disappearance has come as a shock.

He said: "We very much hope that she's going to be returned safe and sound and believe the police have spoken to some of her friends in their homes about it.

"She is a hard-working pupil and there hasn't been anything to indicate any problems.

"We are supporting the family."

Corrina was wearing a black skirt and a distinctive silver jacket when she was last seen in Bishopthorpe at 9pm on Saturday night.

She is 5ft tall and slim with dark, collar-length hair.

Police believe the couple may be in the Leeds area.

Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Corrina and James should contact York police on York 631321.

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