A teenager missing for more than a week has been found safe and well.

Shantel Summerfield, 16, was discovered in Northern Ireland, where she had been staying with her 19-year-old penfriend.

She had been missing from her home in Oakley Road, Wix, since July 22, and her family had been growing increasingly worried for her safety.

Shantel's mother, Linda, today told the Evening Gazette of her relief at the news.

"This has been a week of hell for all of us," she said. "Shantel has had a lucky escape and I'm so happy."

The former Tendring Technology College student had caught a train to Scotland and boarded a ferry to take her to County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Published Friday July 30, 2004

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