Mother's Day torment over Shannon

Karen Matthews made an emotional Mother's Day plea

The mother of a missing schoolgirl has made an emotional plea for her daughter's return as the country celebrates Mother's Day.

Karen Matthews' daughter Shannon was last seen in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, on 19 February. Extensive police searches have failed to find her.

In a statement Ms Matthews says: "I don't want cards or presents, I just want my darling daughter home safely."

A national paper has put up a £20,000 reward for her safe return.

'Special bond'

Shannon's mother said: "Mother's Day is a day when every mum wants her children around them.

"Today I don't want cards or presents, I just want my darling daughter home safely.

"I know Shannon would normally have made me a Mother's Day card at school and we would have spent the day together.

Shannon has not been seen since 19 February

"I have a special bond with Shannon and I feel sure that she is alive and will come home to her mum.

"If you or anyone knows where Shannon is, please think about my family this Mother's Day and bring my beautiful princess home where she belongs with her mum, dad, brothers and little sister."

Det Supt Andy Brennan, one of West Yorkshire's most senior detectives, said the search for the missing girl would continue unabated.

The Sun said it was putting up the £20,000 reward and has printed posters urging readers to help in the search.

Shannon's mother and stepfather said: "Our message to people is never give up because we won't until we find her."

'Really sad'

Detectives have said Shannon "may have fallen into the wrong hands".

The missing girl's best friend, Megan Aldridge, made a TV appeal for her safe return.

Megan, also aged nine, was captured on CCTV footage walking home with Shannon on the afternoon she disappeared.

She said she last saw her friend as she headed away in the wrong direction to her home.

Megan told ITV News: "I'm really, really sad and if you know where she is just call and tell us where she is."

Earlier this week, volunteers distributed leaflets and posters as part of the search.