A MOTHER today spoke of her family's "deep relief" after her teenage son turned up safe and well three weeks after going missing.

Anne Knott, of Willows Lane, Accrington, said she was "over the moon" after son Christopher was found by police in Stoke-on-Trent.

Christopher, 19, had not been seen since Thursday, September 11, when he left the residential deaf school he attends in Doncaster. He was due to return to the family home in Willows Lane, Accrington, where he usually spends weekends.

Police in South Yorkshire launched an investigation after Christopher left his college room without taking any belongings.

His family in Accrington were informed and after two weeks became concerned for their son's well being. His father Allan tried to contact Christopher on his mobile telephone but was unable to get a response.

The family also called one of Christopher's brothers, who works as a garage manager in Doncaster, but he had not heard from him either.

He was found by police on Thursday and his mother said: "He is safe and well and we are all over the moon. I have spoke to him and he seemed to be quite happy and content."

Mrs Knott still had no idea what Christopher was doing in Stoke and said because of his hearing and speech problems she was yet to have a full conversation with him.

"I'm going to see him next week with my daughter Caroline so we will find out more then. He's blissfully unaware of all the fuss that's been going on," she added.

Police said Christopher left the school premises in Ledger Way, Doncaster, some time in the afternoon, around 3pm, on September 11, but took no belongings with him.

Detectives said they believed he could have travelled to the Stoke area but his family had no idea why. Christopher's family now intend to discuss his future with him and said he may move back to East Lancashire.

A police spokesman said it appeared as though Christopher had been staying with a friend.