CONCERN is growing for the safety of a 15-year-old Kidderminster girl who has gone missing with a family friend - a man nearly twice her age.

Desperate father Paul Dixon has made an emotional plea for daughter Stacey, who was last seeing getting into Ian Scott's light green Ford Escort on Tuesday, June 18, to ring home.

Coach driver Mr Dixon, 35, said he felt betrayed by a man, known as Jimmy, who had been "like a brother".

And he outlined his fears for his daughter, stating: "I would like to have thought she would have phoned us by now if she had had the chance."

Stacey headed from her home in Ash Grove for Harry Cheshire High School at 8.30am but was seen getting into 28-year-old divorcee Mr Scott's car - registration K418 DRD - about 15 minutes later.

Mr Dixon said: "She's a very bright, very pretty girl. She's got a lot going for her - she's doing very, very well at school and has no reason whatsoever to go off with him."

Mr Dixon had arranged to pick up Stacey, who said she was going on a school field trip, but was told she had not turned up when he arrived.

He said she was reliable and had never gone missing before. She is 5ft 4ins, slim, with brown eyes and waist-length brown hair.

Stacey, one of six children, was wearing a blue denim jacket, grey hooded fleece, black trousers and black Reebok trainers.

The Dixons had been neighbours to painter and decorator Mr Scott for nine years before moving to Ash Grove.

"He came round every day without fail, he came away on holiday with us. He was like a brother to me - I helped him through his divorce. Now he has betrayed us like this."

He said Stacey had been fond of Mr Scott, who had been like a member of the family - but Mr Dixon is still worried for her safety.

Mr Scott is thought to have family in the Brierley Hill area.

Mr Dixon said: "Stacey is not in any trouble whatsoever. All she has got to do is make a phone call."