POLICE have stepped up the search for a missing teenager.

Officers are concernedabout 15-year-old Paul Clarkson, from Aysgarth, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, who was last seen at Northallerton railway station on Thursday morning.

Police have spoken to Paul's friends and were yesterday searching out-buildings and places were young people congregate in Wensleydale.

Richmondshire police commander, Inspector Barry Smith said: "I want Paul to know his family are desperately concerned for him.

"They need to know if he is all right. Wherever he is, we are asking him to make contact right now."

He is white, 6ft, stocky and looks older than 15. He has short, dark brown hair, a fair complexion and wears silver-coloured braces on his top teeth.

He was wearing black trousers and a white shirt, with a camouflage combat jacket, with logos of the bands Guns and Roses and The Exploited on the back.

It is believed he also has a black T-shirt with "Disturbed" written on it and a red rugby shirt with a white band across the chest.

Anyone with information is asked to call (0845) 6060247.