A PRESTON schoolgirl who sparked a massive police hunt when she went missing from home for six days has had an emotional reuinion with her mum.

And she has sent a heartfelt message through the Citizen to other teenagers who may feel like running away like she did - don't be so stupid.

Debbie Gregson, 15, disappeared on Friday, May 31. She left a loving note to her mum Lesley after going horse-riding - but failed to come home.

Lesley, of Victoria Road, Walton-le-Dale, feared the worst for her pony-loving daughter.

Police mounted a massive hunt for her, making a plea through the media for her safe return.

The family's nightmare ended when Debbie walked into her parent's home on Wednesday last week. She said she had stayed in a squat on the Callon estate, after exam pressure and depression left her confused and alone.

Rather than talking about it, she disappeared.

Debbie said: "I was really depressed. I wanted to go home, but I started thinking I'd never be able to go back."

Her parents, Paul and Lesley desperately tried not to think the worst.

Now Debbie is urging other children discuss their problems with their parents. She said: "Think first, and talk it over with your parents before doing anything stupid."

And mother-of-four Lesley said: "It's wonderful to have her home." She went on: "Debbie's promised to talk if she feels like that again."

The Samaritans has a branch at St Wilfrid's Street. Call 822022.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.