A MISSING woman from Rossendale - who has not been seen for more than a week - has prompted a police appeal.

Family and friends of Gemma Thomson, 21, from Newchurch, are concerned as she has not been seen since Thursday, November 15.

The former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School student is said by Lancashire Police to have left her home in the village that day and has not returned since.

Police say Gemma, who is studying nursing at the University of Central Lancashire, is white, of medium build with shoulder length, dark brown hair and was last seen wearing a long, black wool coat.

Insp Phil Hutchinson, of Lancashire Police, said: "As time goes on we are getting more worried for Gemma and I would urge her to come forward to let us know she is safe.

“If anybody has seen or spoken to Gemma since the time she went missing then I would ask them to contact police.”

She has worked for the past few years as a waitress, employed by Bury Council.

Anyone with information call Lancashire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.