IT is the worst time of their lives.

Last night, as police continued a massive search for missing schoolgirl Rosemary Edwards, her parents, David and Jennifer, said they feared the worst.

Rosemary, 15, of Wellington Close, Dibden Purlieu, was last seen in her room last Tuesday at 10.30pm.

Every parent's worst nightmare began the following morning when her father went to make sure she was getting ready for school and discovered she was missing.

Her disappearance, described as totally out of character, followed a row caused by Rosemary losing her part-time job in a local shop.

The family described it as a trivial matter but because Rosemary had lied to her parents they had warned her that she would not be able to spend as much time as before on her favourite pastime, riding horses.

Mr Edwards, a 52-year-old electronics consultant, said: "When I went up to her room at 7.40am the next day her bed was empty.

"I switched on her phone and saw some text messages she'd sent to three boys she knew through Internet chatrooms. We've managed to trace the lads concerned and they're all distraught."

Rosemary, a year 11 pupil at Noadswood School, Dibden Purlieu, is a keen horse rider who wants to become a vet.

Mr Edwards described her as an outgoing girl with a wide circle of friends.

He added: "We didn't think her mental state was such that she would run away.

"Everyone who knows Rosemary is absolutely gobsmacked - they just can't understand it. We're such a close-knit family and never have any arguments.

"She left behind absolutely everything - money, mobile phone, MP3 player, clothes - all the things she needs to live. That's why we're so worried."

Mr Edwards and his wife, a 47-year-old secretary, often broke down as they described the heartache caused by her disappearance. They were comforted by their other two children, Robert, a 17-year-old student at Tauntons College, Southampton, and Lucy, 19, a medical student at Cardiff University.

In a message to his missing daughter Mr Edwards added: "We love you and can't live without you."

Anxious family and friends have posted messages on to the Daily Echo's website urging the youngster to come home.

One anonymous message said: "Please come home. You are able and ambitious, with a great future ahead of you. Think of the animals you want to help! No one is going to be cross or angry with you."

Rosemary's cousin - Melanie James from Winchester - wrote: "Please this weekend can everyone look out for my cousin Rosemary.

"If anyone was driving in Dibden Purlieu (or anywhere else in Hampshire) and saw her very late at night on Tuesday or in the early hours of Wednesday - or thinks they have seen her since - please, please contact Hampshire Police."

Police stepped up their search for Rosemary yesterday following confirmation that she had not contacted any of her friends or relatives since she went missing.

A total of 80 police officers and volunteer helpers spent most of the day combing Dibden Inclosure, which is only a short distance from her home.

The search operation included dogs and an aircraft equipped with heat-seeking equipment.

Police Superintendent Barry Talbot, said leaflets asking people to check their sheds and gardens had been delivered to 400 homes in the area.

Asked if he thought Rosemary was still alive, Supt Talbot said: "We are trying to locate her, but our concern is increasing."