THE mother of runaway Gillingham schoolgirl Stacey Champ spoke today of her joy on hearing that her daughter had been found safe and well.

Speaking to the media outside Rochester police station, Angela Champ, 33, said: "I am really glad my daughter is back. The last five days have been a nightmare. I hoped she would come back safely."

Mrs Champ was told that 14-year-old Stacey, a pupil at Gillingham's Upbury Arts College, had been found in the early hours of this morning at Caithness in the Scottish Highlands along with family friend, 46-year-old David Milner.

Police were alerted after Stacey and Mr Milner were seen asleep in the red VW Golf Mr Milner had bought for £300 in Blackpool on Friday.

Since they disappeared from Gillingham on Thursday, Mr Milner and Stacey have been to Bristol, Newbury in Berkshire and Blackpool, where they spent Thursday and Friday night in a hotel before checking out on Saturday morning.

Mrs Champ stressed; "It was sheer relief when I was told the news. In the last four days I've only been getting a few hours sleep."

Mr Milner is now in police custody and being questioned by senior officers.

Teachers and pupils at Stacey's school are looking forward to welcoming her back. Judy Rider, who started her new role as head teacher at Upbury Arts College today, said: "From the school's point of view we want Stacey to come back to school when she is ready."

She stressed there would be a "full support network in operation" when she eventually returns.