The mother of a missing three-year-old has been granted a court order to help get the youngster home.

The High Court in London granted a collection order to Anne Marie Kingshott, 23, of Cavalry Crescent, Eastbourne, in respect of her daughter Danielle.

It empowers police and other authorities to remove Danielle from her father John Dempster, believed to have taken her in January, and return her to her mother.

Danielle had already been made a ward of the court in a previous hearing.

Miss Kingshott said: "At the moment the trail has gone cold so we are hoping the national Press can help if she is not in Sussex."

Miss Kingshott returned home from a trip to Croydon to find the house she shared with Mr Dempster, his parents and his brother empty.

Furniture and clothes had been taken as well as Danielle's toys.

Miss Kingshott has not heard from Danielle, her former partner or his family since.

She moved from their former home in Polegate back to her parents' house where she hopes Danielle would spend her fourth birthday in June.

The collection order was granted on Monday.

Anyone who knows where Danielle is should contact Brighton County Court Family Centre on 01273 811333.