Leanne Smith has been missing since September, and her family are distraught, with hope in their hearts she will return for Christmas.

Brother Stuart Gourley was forced to go ahead with his wedding without his sister there, and he fears he will have to do the same for what should be the most family-orientated time of the year.

"Me, her friends and the rest of her family are missing her loads," he said. "We were hoping she would be home for Christmas, but there's obviously a worry that she won't be."

He added: "I had to get married without her which was hard enough, so none of us want to have Christmas without her as well."

Ms Smith, formerly Gourley, was reported missing on September 15, and was last seen leaving her home in Whitehaven.

"My personal number's out there for anyone to contact me on, so please, no matter how small, get in touch if you have any information," Stuart added.

Milissa Dilby is desperate to find her childhood friend, and said: "Please if you are still out there Leanne, get in touch with someone just to let us know you're safe – that will be enough.

"We miss you so much and your family and friends want you home safe for Christmas and your beautiful dogs are missing you and want their mummy home for Christmas too."

Cumbria Police have renewed their appeal, and Inspector Jim Lloyd said: “We continue to assess all lines of enquiry as they come in. I would urge anyone with any information regarding Leanne’s whereabouts, no matter how small, to contact police.

“Over the next week, there will be PCSO’s going door to door again, in the area where Leanne was last seen. This is to try and gather further information from the public, which they might not have recalled at the time or thought relevant, during previous appeals and enquiries.

“We are fast approaching the festive holidays, and with Christmas only a week away, the community will be quite rightly turning their thoughts to spending time with their family and friends. Leanne’s family do not have the luxury of that family contact to look forward to. "

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.