THE parents of missing mother-of-three Carole Hooker have thanked the police for helping to find their daughter. Jackie and Desmond Oakley have written to the Kent Messenger newspaper to praise officers for their efforts.

Mrs Hooker, 35, disappeared from her home in Shearwater, Allington, Maidstone, on Monday, January 14. She left her husband Robert a note saying she had gone for a walk. He raised the alarm when she failed to return home.

Police launched a massive search of the area and Mrs Hooker's husband made an emotional public appeal for his wife to get in touch.

Mrs Hooker turned up safe and well three days later at her parents' house in Sutton, Surrey. She had been suffering from depression and had no idea people were concerned for her safety.

Mrs Oakley said: "The local police did all that they could in their attempts to find Carole. Although the family have conveyed their thanks directly to them, we would like to mention how well they carried out their duties and offered so much support to us all during this very difficult time."

Police said Mrs Hooker spent two nights at a hotel near Gatwick Airport before arriving at her parents' house.