POLICE have launched a major search of the New Forest in a bid to find a missing Fordingbridge woman.

Pensioner Georgina Hardy - known to family and friends as Mavis - was reported missing last week but has not been seen by friends since Sunday November 13.

Inspector Simon Tribe from Ringwood Police Station said an intensive search has been taking place since Monday of all the sites family and friends have told officers she liked to visit.

These have included the Linwood area, Cranborne in Dorset and around Moyles Court near Ringwood.

As well as specialist officers and volunteer units, the air support team has also been deployed along with the police dog unit.

Officers have also been following up a possible sighting by a horse rider last week but no other sightings have been reported.

Inspector Tribe said: “The key message is that we would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have any information which would help us to locate this lady.

“Anything could be important, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

“Our primary concern is that we find her safe and well.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.