An MP has praised a charity for its work with young people who go missing.

Mike Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, visited WithYou’s Missing From Home Service, which gives a voice to under 18s who go missing from home and care across Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington, and Halton.

The charity supported 1,664 children and young people in the last year.

Mr Amesbury said: "It was great to meet the team from WithYou’s Missing From Home Service who are doing some excellent work with local children and young people at risk as well as their families and carers.

"Most youngsters who go missing have complex needs and vulnerabilities, with many having sadly experienced trauma.

"I was really impressed, especially by the caseworkers who spoke in terms of their enthusiasm, skills and knowledge – and the positive impact the service is having in helping to keep our young people safe."

WithYou caseworkers complete return home interviews with children and young people to understand 'their stories, the reasons they go missing, and what needs to change to help prevent it happening again'.

Nikki Thorne, Cheshire tri-party Missing From Home Service manager, said: "It was so important to be able to talk to Mike about the vital work we do in the Missing From Home Service.

"Our specialist caseworkers support them with information and advice to help them keep safe, giving them the confidence to have a voice, and advocating for them in settings with other professionals."

If you suspect that a child is missing, contact the police immediately.