Police investigating the sudden disappearance of a woman from Tunbridge Wells almost 20 years ago have received several calls which could lead to new information.

Earlier this month police dogs were deployed in woodland near Tunbridge Wells Hospital as part of a renewed bid to finally solve the mystery of what happened to 54-year-old Margaret Coston.

Ms Coston, whose name was previously reported by police as Costen, was last seen leaving the hospital on February 23, 1997 and believed to have left the grounds and wandered into nearby woodland.

At the time, police made extensive searches but the missing woman was never found.

Following a review of the original investigation a decision was made to again search areas surrounding the hospital site with modern techniques and new expertise. Officers leading the operation also appealed to those who had known Ms Coston to get in touch.

Inspector Ray Quiller said: "We have had a really encouraging response to the appeal, with a number of people who knew Margaret contacting us. It has been a long time since the original investigation and so it is important we reassess any details of the original investigation we hold with any new information which may now arise.

"Over the coming weeks we will be speaking to these people to see if there are any new clues, which can help us piece together what may have happened to Margaret all those years ago."

Searches of woodland off Tonbridge Road are set to continue on Monday, when officers from the Metropolitan Police will again be helping the operation by bringing with them specialist detection dogs.

If you have any information which may help the appeal, call officers on 01622 604100.