THE family of a 65-year-old woman who disappeared from her home 13 days ago have made an emotional appeal to try and find her.

Kay Hawke, 65, was last seen at her home in Tolgullow, St Day, at 8.30am on Thursday, December 28, and police are so concerned for her welfare that they have appointed a Detective Inspector to oversee the case and launched a poster campaign.

Since her disappearance police received a report that Kay may have been in the Godrevy area at between 1pm and 2pm on Monday, January 1.

On Friday husband, Gordon, daughter, Claire Hall, and son, Matthew - who were clearly distraught - made a plea for anyone with information on Kay's whereabouts to come forward.

Gordon Hawke said: "We just want to her from Kay. It would just be such a relief to hear her voice and know she is ok. We all just want her back and we can help her get better. If someone has seen Kay or is looking after her, you are not in trouble, just let us know she is safe. Anyone who has seen anything, the car or Kay, please call the police."

DC Ryan Parker at Camborne CID said that police had started a poster campaign in an attempt to find Kay. He said: "We are still active in investigating the disappearance of Kay Hawke and we are keeping an open mind about what has happened to her but at this time we are still trying to trace her.

"We have been distributing posters with Kay's picture and description on it. We are very keen to keep the appeal in the public conscious. Any information from members of the public could be vital."

Kay left the family home in a green Ford Mondeo, registered number P491PRL, and was last seen dressed only in a red dressing gown and slippers.

Kay's son, Matthew, explained that she had been suffering from a painful arthritic condition and depression and had been on medication. He said: "She had been depressed but there was no warning that this was going to happen.

"It had been the anniversary of our nan's death and I think that had got to her and maybe something just snapped. We just want her home now so any help from the public will be very welcome."

As well as the police carrying out searches in the area the family has also been searching around Kay's favourite spots. Daughter Claire said: "We have been out every day looking for her going around the same places again and again. We just feel helpless if we sit and wait for her to turn up so we wanted to help the police in their search and find our mum."

Claire said that she had had to explain what had happened to her children, Charlie and Louie, as it had become increasingly obvious that something was wrong and they were asking where their grandmother was.

She said: "I don't think they fully understand what is going on. I explained it to them and they said that is a silly thing for grandma to do.' They just want her back too."

Claire added: "We are very concerned for her welfare and worried that she may be on foot now as she only had about a quarter of a tank of petrol and did not take any money or credit cards with her, which means she could not have got far. I would urge people to check their outbuildings or anywhere else where they think Kay or the car may be.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped us so far with trying to find mum. The whole family really appreciates the support."

DI Costa Nassaris, who is based at Launceston, said: "As time goes by we are becoming more and more concerned for Kay's safety. We do not believe she was dressed to go out in the sort of weather conditions we have seen the last few days.

"We have also searched extensively for the car, but have yet to find it. My hope is that someone has seen her or put her up since last Thursday and I would ask that anyone who may have seen her since then, please contact the police in order that we may put her family's mind at rest."

Police are appealing to people in the Hayle and Portreath area to keep an eye out for Kay as that is where she is believed to have been seen.

Kay is described as a white woman, 5' 06'' tall, of medium build with dark hair in a bob style. She is believed to be wearing a hooped pattern nightdress with diagonal stripes and a full length dressing gown. She may have a grey fleece and green waterproof jacket with her.

Anyone who has seen Kay or her car is asked to contact the police on 08452 777444 quoting reference 190 28/12/06.