A MOTHER is struggling to stay positive as police hunt for her missing daughter. Catherine Gibson, of Archer Road in Stevenage, has not heard from her daughter, Samantha Wright, since June last year. Samantha, 25, moved to Edinburgh three-and-a-half years

A MOTHER is struggling to stay positive as police hunt for her missing daughter.

Catherine Gibson, of Archer Road in Stevenage, has not heard from her daughter, Samantha Wright, since June last year.

Samantha, 25, moved to Edinburgh three-and-a-half years ago after falling in love with the capital on a family holiday.

Her mother reported her missing to police in January, after Samantha failed to get in touch with her family over Christmas or on her birthday on January 5.

She said: "She normally comes down at Christmas and birthdays and we haven't heard from her. It made me panicky and worried. It's completely out of character."

Police have confirmed that Samantha, who attended Bedwell Primary School and The Nobel School in Stevenage, has not used her bank account or mobile phone since June. She has also left behind all her belongings at her rented home in Saughton.

On Wednesday, police horses were used in a search of Saughton Park in Edinburgh, and police also carried out door-to-door enquiries and a letter drop to her neighbours.

Ms Gibson said the last time Samantha was in Stevenage was on May 10, after her sister had a baby boy. She said she was her normal, bubbly, friendly self and nothing seemed unusual.

She added: "It's like she's just vanished off the face of the earth. I'm trying to stay positive but it's getting harder the more time passes. It's like she doesn't exist. It's dreadful."

Of the search for Samantha, Ms Gibson said: "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

Police have searched Ms Gibson's home in Archer Road, where Samantha once lived, for clues. They have also been looking into Samantha's dental records.

A police spokesman said: "Samantha is an independent girl, but her family would have expected her to make contact over the festive period, and on her birthday.

"It is out of character for her not to make contact at these times, and the family are growing increasingly concerned.

"We want anyone who has any information regarding Samantha's whereabouts to contact police as soon as possible. Similarly, anyone who has been in contact with her in recent months should also get in touch."

Samantha, a waitress, is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, medium build, with long brown wavy hair which is usually tied back, dark brown eyes, and a pale complexion. It is possible that she may be wearing spectacles.

According to police, Samantha had not been taking any prescribed medication and had not shown signs of depression.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.