The dad of a missing Blackpool schoolgirl has cycled from Liverpool to Blackpool to raise money for his daughter’s memorial fund.

Charlene Downes has not been seen since vanishing in November 2003 at the age of 13.

Her body has never been found.

The Downes family have organised a memorial service for their daughter at St John’s Church, in Blackpool, on September 15, and also want to build a memorial bench for her in the town's Stanley Park.

To raise funds for the appeal, Robert Downes, Charlene’s dad, yesterday rode from Liverpool back to the resort.

The heartbroken family sat through a 12-week murder trial earlier in the year, but a jury failed to reach a verdict on two men, one charged with Charlene’s murder and the other of disposing of her body.

They were cleared of all charges.