The family of a missing 81-year-old woman who vanished more than a month ago has thanked police and rescue teams after it was revealed the search teams have scoured land from Bearsted to Lenham.

A radius of more than three miles has been covered by crews desperate to trace Gloria Stringer who was last seen walking near her Hollingbourne home on New Year’s Day.

Her family has since set up a Facebook page in an attempt to help find her after it was revealed police officers were unable to dedicate as much time to the search on January 24.

The latest update included a map of the roads, woodlands and neighbouring areas the searches had taken place.

The post from Saturday read: “Today we attended a family review at Maidstone Police station along with Kent Search and Rescue.

“May I take this opportunity to thank all the Police and search teams that have been involved from day one with the search for Gloria. It is incredible how big the search area is and how much time and effort has been put in so far Kent Search and Rescue and Kent Police.

“We have learnt today exactly what has been searched how they have searched, down to searching lakes to searching road side ditches.

“The maps I've seen today of the search area are incredible. Kent Police are still very much looking for Gloria and are following up on any leads that do come in to them.”

The power of social media is proving priceless for a family desperate to find Gloria.

The Facebook post added: “We really need to find Gloria. The reality is very grim but please share this page and like it.

“Talk about Gloria in the pub or out shopping not all of us have social media, someone somewhere will find Gloria. Your help is vital in bringing Gloria home.

“Help find missing Gloria has really touched the hearts of the public and we thank you all for your continued support and help.”