THE parents of two missing Hampshire schoolgirls have begged them to get in touch and let them know they are safe.

Kerry Leigh Phillips, 14, and Leighann Gale, 15, are thought to have run away together after leaving their Lymington homes on Wednesday afternoon. The two girls, who are close friends, were spotted in Gordon Road, Lymington, the next day, but have not been seen since.

Ann and Christopher Gale of Bays Road, Lymington, made an emotional appeal to Leighann through the Daily Echo.

Mrs Gale said: "We just want to hear you're OK.

"We're all so worried. Your dad has been around town putting up posters with your picture on. Your brother Philip is blaming himself for not stopping you going out and your little brother Kelvin is really missing you.

"You've got your mobile - just give us a call or send us a text. Every time the doorbell rings or the phone goes I think it's you, but it never is."

Mrs Gale said it was the first time Leighann had run away from home and she could think of no reason for her sudden disappearance.

She said: "She's in Year 11 at Priestlands School, Lymington and is quite happy there. On Wednesday Leighann was being secretive about having Kerry in the house.

"Then, at about 6.20pm, they crept out of the back door without saying a word to anyone."

Kerry lives in nearby Meadow Road. She left Priestlands School earlier this year and is due to attend the New Forest Education Centre at Dibden.

Her mother Helen, 40, said: "Kerry disappeared on Wednesday afternoon after failing to return from her paper round.

"We're in constant touch with Leighann's parents and have also contacted all Kerry's friends. My husband Michael has been out until gone midnight every day looking for them.

"Kerry is generally very sociable with her friends, but in some ways she's quite nave and not streetwise.

"I think the two girls are still together, but they must be very cold and hungry unless they have found somewhere to stay. We just want them to ring the police or their families and let everyone know that they're safe."

Sgt Amarjit Sahota of Lymington police said the two girls had only £40 with them and added: "They're both young and therefore very vulnerable.

"We would appeal to them to get in touch to let the police and their families know they are safe and well."

Leighann is 5ft 7in, slim, with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes and prominent scarring on her chin. She was wearing a short, fawn-coloured jacket, blue jeans and a black jumper.

Kerry is 5ft 5in, slim, with blue eyes and straight, shoulder-length blonde hair. She was wearing a light grey Adidas jacket, embroidered blue jeans, white trainers with a pale blue stripe on the side and striped socks.

Information to Lymington police on 0845 045 4545.