Pop idol Will Young last night appealed to missing teenager Amanda Dowler to get in touch with her family.

The singer made the TV appeal to the 13-year-old - known to her family as Milly - before going on stage before 12,000 fans at the Sheffield Arena.

Will said: "Milly, you are not in trouble, your family and friends love you very much, and you are greatly missed. If you are watching, please simply call a friend or any family member to let them know you are safe.

"We are appealing to anyone with any information, no matter how trivial you may think it is. It may make all the difference. The number for you to call is (01372) 471212."

Amanda was last seen walking home in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, eight days ago. Detectives say they still have no clear indication to whether she was abducted or has run away from home.

Surrey Police asked Will to broadcast the message as they know Milly is a big fan. She had visited the Pop Idol concert in London on the Tuesday before she vanished.

The spokeswoman said: "Will agreed straightaway to do it. We are extremely grateful." She added that she hoped the message would be the "trigger" that brought Milly home.

A white purse found near where Milly disappeared - and believed to match one which was in her rucksack as she headed home after meeting friends - was yesterday ruled out of the investigation.

Detectives showed it to her parents, Robert and Sally, who confirmed it did not belong to their daughter.

The Dowlers' appeal on BBC's Crimewatch UK TV programme on Thursday prompted hundreds of calls, including one local woman who thought she may have found Milly's distinctive white purse.

Detectives are still looking into a number of possible sightings and leads from the show