An overjoyed couple have been re-united with their runaway daughter - thanks to the Good Samaritans of York.

Graham Field told how he and his wife Barbara went through five days of living hell after their 15-year-old daughter Ella ran away from their Northallerton home.

Their nightmare ended when a massive search of York resulted in a heart-warming response from homeless people, street cleaners and traffic wardens, which eventually led to her being tracked down and returned home safely.

Mr Field, who said he had found "genuine human kindness" in York, revealed that he and ten friends had combed the city streets after receiving a telephone call telling them Ella was in York.

Armed only with a photograph, they searched well into the night.

"Because of the bits and pieces of information, we were able to build up a picture and raise the general level of awareness. It was all based on information from the general public," said Mr Field, a sales manager.

"Starting at 9pm we searched well into the night through the streets, parks, museums and river walks. We contacted charities and fast food outlets as well as approaching people in the streets. Every man, woman and child we asked wanted to help. The support we received from York people was tremendous. That day we experienced genuine human kindness.

"With help enough information was obtained to locate Ella and return her safe and unharmed to the love of her family. We cannot thank anyone individually, but we will never forget how much people helped in our hour of need. Thank you all, the Good Samaritans of York."

Mr Field said Ella had never run away before, but came to York after things got too much for her at home.

"It's not very easy to understand. There's a lot of different things - it was just a build up, a cocktail of little things," he said.

Mr Field said although Ella had money and was able to look after herself, the five days she was missing proved a living hell for him and his wife Barbara.

"It was a terrifying time and not very easy - probably worse than hell, but we're a lot happier now," he said.

"It's going to be a worry for quite some time, but I think there's a better situation to talk about it now."

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