AN East Lancashire holidaymaker has gone missing on a Greek island after telling a friend she was going for a swim.

Police today said they were becoming "increasingly concerned" about Yvonne Anna Heys, 51, of Higher Scholesfold, Pickup Bank, Darwen.

On Friday July 25, Miss Heys, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and a friend, who were on holiday in the Afandou resort on Rhodes, went to a beach for the day.

The friend left Miss Heys to go to a launderette and arranged to meet up half an hour later.

Miss Heys, who was wearing a swimsuit and shorts said she was going for a swim and has not been seen since.

The pair, who had been staying at the Afandou Silivia Hotel Studios, were due to fly back on August 6.

Detective Inspector Simon Giles, of Accrington police, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our fears are compounded by the knowledge that she is missing in a foreign country and has no access to any money.

"We also know that she is without her medication and may be in a distressed state. We are liaising with the Greek police, the Athens Embassy, the Rhodes Consulate, and the media on Rhodes."

Anyone with information should call DI Giles on 01254-353743.