Judith Holliday disappearance: Woman, 73, who went missing from care home spotted in Yorkshire village as search continues

Judith, who has dementia, left her care home in Harrogate six days ago and has not been traced since.

A confirmed sighting of her has now been recorded in the village of North Rigton on Saturday.

She was captured on CCTV at Harrogate bus station and it is now thought she left on a bus then flagged down a driver and asked for a lift to North Rigton.

A new photograph of he wearing the walking jacket she is believed to have with her has now been released.

Judith has links to Wetherby and sightings have been reported in Wetherby, Knaresborough, Otley and Ilkley.

She has lived in Harrogate for most of her life and worked at the police training college before her retirement, and was also a keen gymnast and dancer in her youth. In more recent years she moved to Wetherby, but returned to Harrogate to be closer to family after her partner's death earlier this year.

Her niece Lucinda Edwards, whose mother is Judith's sister, said the family believe that she may have travelled to the countryside because she has fond memories of birdwatching and picnicking trips.

"We want to cast the net wide and ask dog walkers and cyclists in areas like Otley and Ilkley to keep an eye out for her. People want to help, and can convince themselves they had seen her, but anything could be a sighting. The North Rigton sighting is convincing and police have spoken to a driver who she requested support from.

"We don't know exactly what her intentions were - whether she took a wrong turn, got on the wrong bus, or got lost. She has always enjoying being in the countryside, and she led an active life until recently.

"Keep an eye out for someone who looks out of place, who may be asking for help with transport, food, shelter or the bathroom. She may be a bit confused. It's a critical situation and we just want her back with her family."

Judith no longer has control over her financial affairs and her family are keen to point out that she does not carry any valuables, including a bank card or mobile phone. She was believed to have no more than £60 in cash on her when she went missing.

Extensive police and specialist resources are being used in the search.

She is described as a white female, thin build, approximately 5ft in height, with medium length grey hair.

North Yorkshire Police Critical Incident Inspector Louise Pegg commented:

“We are extremely concerned for the welfare of Judith as she has now been missing for nearly a week. Judith requires medication and has dementia but often presents fit and well.

“Judith’s family are doing everything they can to help locate Judith and officers are supporting them as we continue to try and locater her.

“If required, the searches will continue across the weekend. I would urge any members of the public who are out and about today and this weekend to remain vigilant and report any immediate sightings of Judith to 999.”

If you have any information that could assist with the search, please call 101 and quote ref number 12220153505.

Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999.