MISSING Weymouth mum Susan Meecham is believed to be in Spain.

Inquiries by Dorset Police have revealed that the 39-year-old Mrs Meecham, who has two children, may have boarded a ferry from Plymouth to Santander.

Mrs Meecham, who owns the Take Two video shop in Portland Road, Weymouth, was last seen dropping off her nine-year-old daughter, Sarah, at St Augustine's School in Hardy Avenue around 9am on Tuesday, September 10, in her Ford Escort estate car.

Police said they believe that Mrs Meecham, who also lives with her 14-year-old son Simon and husband Stewart in Westham, boarded the ferry to Santander at 12pm on Wednesday, September 11.

Chief Inspector Rick Dowell, of Weymouth police, said: "We believe that a woman fitting Mrs Meecham's description was seen boarding the ferry in a car that fitted the description of her vehicle.

"After the ferry returned to Plymouth, Mrs Meecham's car was not on board so we believe she drove off the ferry when it docked in Santander.

"We have given the Spanish authorities, via Interpol, Mrs Meecham's description as well as details of her vehicle."

Police said they do not think there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance but they are urging her to call her family to let them know she is safe and well.

Chief Insp Dowell said: "Understandably, Mrs Meecham's family has been very worried and her children very distressed - they just want her back home."

Police also said concerns are growing for the safety of a 45-year-old woman missing from her home in Sturminster Newton, near Blandford.

Sarah West has not been seen since 10.15am on Tuesday. She is described as 4ft 8in to 5ft tall, of stocky build, with dyed red short hair and has a northern accent.

She was wearing fawn-coloured trousers with a serpent-shaped pattern on the right side and an orange patterned cardigan.

Anyone who knows her whereabouts or has information about her disappearance should call their local police station.