A family are celebrating their best ever Christmas following the emotional home-coming of a 14-year-old girl who was missing for 19 days.

It was hugs, kisses and tears all round when Sherrylee Oliver returned in the early hours of Christmas morning.

The Wyke Manor pupil had been spotted by detectives in the Manchester Road area of the city and immediately taken to her home in Buttershaw Drive, Buttershaw, Bradford.

"This has made my Christmas," said her 31-year-old mum Samantha.

"It was such a relief to see her again. We were all in tears.

"We're taking things very carefully and have been told not to question her but to let her talk about it when she wants to.

"She is fine and glad to be home. She's got her Christmas presents - I got her a make-up bag and some perfume."

Her grandmother 53-year-old Madge Oliver, of Lastingham Green, Buttershaw, said her granddaughter's return was an answer to her prayers.

"When I went to bed on Christmas Eve I prayed for a miracle. Soon after the telephone rang and it was Samantha sobbing. She said Sherrylee is coming home.

"I dashed round and as soon as I saw her I hugged and kissed her.

"She said she was very sorry but I said it was OK because she was safe, we loved her and that was all that counts. This is the best Christmas the Lord could have given us."

Sherrylee went missing on Monday, December 9, failing to return home from school.

The family put up a series of posters around Bradford city centre appealing for information as to her whereabouts.

Detectives have been making inquiries and it was officers on duty who recognised her and took her home.

Sherrylee is pictured, centre, with her grandmother Madge, left, and mum Samantha.