A TEENAGE girl sparked a nationwide search after running away from home to meet up with a male friend she met in an Internet chatroom.

Amy Singleton, who has spent much of her life battling against a heart defect and underwent open heart surgery five years ago, left after her family's phone was cut off because they could not pay the bills she had run up on her computer.

She was traced to the home of a teenage boy 200 miles away in Reading last night after police launched a major investigation with the help of Internet provider AOL and telephone officials.

The case has prompted police to warn of the potential problems caused by meeting people over the Internet and the Home Office today issued advice to parents on how to spot the danger signs.

Amy, 16, left her home on Crumpax Avenue, Longridge, last Friday afternoon after a row over the high bill.

She had talked for so long on the Internet and her mobile that the family could no longer pay and had to be cut-off.

She said she was spending last weekend with a friend but failed to return home.

Detective Inspector Mick Laraway said: "She was found safe and well in Reading last night following a successful investigation by AOL, Thames Valley Police and the police's central telephone unit.

"This incident highlights the importance of leaving a contact number for anyone who meets over the Internet."

Police today praised AOL for their help and efficiency.

Detective Inspector Andy Cameron said: "Amy had transferred her SIM card - the phone's brain - into her friends phone in Reading and they were using the phone. By tracing the phone and tying it up with the name retrieved through AOL and Amy's computer, we were able to find an address and send police round to the house.

"Teenagers who meet over the Internet must always try to be cautious."

A team of five detectives from Blackburn worked for four days to locate Amy.

Her family notified police of her disappearance on Monday and had launched an appeal to trace the teenager yesterday.

Her mother,Julie Baines, is said to be relieved and delighted to have Amy back.

She said: "We understand why she thought she had to go away but we just wanted to know that she was safe."

She travelled to Reading last night to be reunited with her daughter.

Amy left home with £70 and access to a small sum of money.

Mr Laraway said: "This is a prime example of a case which has caused great concern but has turned out well. We are delighted to have her home safe and well."

The Home Office today said parents should take an interest in chatrooms to be aware of the dangers their children could be exposed to.

A spokesman said: "Encourage your children to avoid private conversations away from the other members of their chatrooms. Warn them against giving out any personal details, including their e-mail address or mobile phone number. And, most importantly, discourage them from ever meeting up with anyone from a chat room, unless you're there with them."

It is possible to control the use of the Internet by contacting the Internet Service Provider (ISP) who can apply a range of control features.

Computer and retail stores will also be able to recommend blocking software and a web browser can add parental control.