MORE than 4,400 people across the UK have now joined a hi-tech attempt to trace Hampshire schoolgirl Rosemary Edwards.

They have joined an Internet group dedicated to finding the missing 15-year-old, who disappeared more than two weeks ago after a family argument.

The group is using the social networking site Facebook to ensure that Rosemary's photograph is seen by Internet users across the country.

Her parents, David and Jennifer Edwards, of Wellington Close, Dibden Purlieu, hope the publicity campaign will result in them being reunited with their daughter.

Thank you' Mrs Edwards, 47, has posted a message on the site saying: "From Rosemary's mum. Thank you for all your help. Please spread the word about Rosemary. Jen."

The group has been set up by Joanna Forsyth, of Westbourne, Dorset, who has never met Rosemary or her family but wanted to do something to help.

Miss Forsyth said: "I'm surprised how quickly it has grown. Hopefully Rosemary will make contact with her family soon."

In a message posted on the Daily Echo's website, Mr Edwards said: "We are very grateful to Joanna for helping to publicise Rosemary's disappearance.

"We are a close-knit family who feel uncomfortable in the media spotlight, but the Facebook group is spreading Rosemary's picture around the country and hopefully shows what a lovely family life she enjoyed right up to the moment she left home."

Rosemary disappeared after a family argument on the evening of September 4.

She was grounded and banned from going horse riding for a month after lying to her parents about how she lost her part-time job in a shop.

When Mr Edwards went to make sure Rosemary was getting ready for school the next day her room was empty.

Police have searched parts of the New Forest, traced all her known friends and examined her computer and mobile phone records for any indication of where she might be.

Mr Edwards, a 52-year-old electronics consultant, has described his daughter's disappearance as totally out of character.

Rosemary is a prefect at Noadswood School, Dibden Purlieu.

Last week deputy headteacher Jane Lancaster, described by police as Rosemary's mentor, made a televised appeal in which she urged her to come forward.