PEOPLE across the North-East are being asked to keep an eye out for two women who have gone missing from their homes.

Police in North Yorkshire are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of 50-year-old Mary Van Loo, who may be on Teesside, either in the Middlesbrough or Redcar and Saltburn areas.

Mrs Van Loo, of Gribdale Terrace, Great Ayton, is believed to be in "a stressed state". She was last seen on Wednesday evening. She is described as about 5ft 4in, wears spectacles and has brown collar-length hair.

Mrs Van Loo could be driving a beige Lada Samara, registration number P162 WBB, and may be wearing a dark green coloured anorak.

Anyone knowing of her whereabouts should contact North Yorkshire Police on (01609) 783131.

Meanwhile, West Mercia Police have concerns for the health of heavily-built Candice Kurtis, who could be visiting friends in the Newcastle or Sunderland areas.

Ms Kurtis, who is 36 years old, is from Ross-on-Wye, near Hereford, Wales. She is about 5ft 4in, has dyed blonde hair, and was last seen in McDonalds, in London's Leicester Square, on February 23.

Sergeant Peter Gebbie, of Hereford Police, said that both Ms Kurtis's family and officers from Hereford division of West Mercia Police had tried "all likely lines of inquiry" to check on her well-being without success.

There are concerns for Ms Kurtis's health and anyone who knows of her whereabouts in asked to call (01432) 276422.

"If they do not wish to call us, could they urge Candice to contact her family to let them know if she is safe and well," said Sgt Gebbie.