THE parents of a student who has been missing since last weekend have made an emotional appeal for his return.

Robert Davies, 20, was described as a kind-hearted person who loved going out with his friends.

The chemistry student had just returned to the University of York to begin his third year, but went missing in the early hours of Sunday after a night out.

His parents, Kim and Tony Davies, from Bury, Greater Manchester, yesterday appealed for information about their son.

"The police have searched everywhere," Mrs Davies, 46, said.

''It's as though he's just been plucked - just taken."

Mr Davies, 50, said the last time he saw his son was when he dropped him back at university.

"Rob was so happy to be coming back to York. He loved the place," Mr Davies said.

The student was last seen by friends just after midnight on Sunday, when he left the Priory pub in Micklegate.

CCTV footage later showed Mr Davies walking to Ziggy's nightclub, but not getting in.

Chief Inspector Dave Hall, who is leading the investigation, said: "Robert's usual route home, if walking from the city centre, has been searched, which includes the rivers Ouse and Foss."

Speaking at North Yorkshire Police headquarters in York, Mrs Davies wept as she talked about the piano they have bought their son for his 21st birthday in November.

Mr Davies said the family had been through a difficult time since hearing of Robert's disappearance on Sunday.

"It's been a seesaw of hope, resignation and despair and we just swing from one to the other," he said.

Mr Davies is described as 6ft 2in, slim, with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.