Karen Matthews said she never gave up on the nine-year-old and always believed she was alive.

The mother-of-seven said: "When I first saw Shannon again I was overwhelmed - I just couldn't stop crying, knowing she's back where she belongs and she's safe.

"I never gave up hope and now she'll be able to come home and sleep in her room again. We've got her new pink bedding which she'll love."

Her father Leon Rose added: "I am buzzing over it - especially since Shannon has been found alive.

"I'm over the moon and I can't wait to see her. I'll grab hold of her and give her a cuddle and tell her I love her."

Karen said that she couldn't thank the police enough for their help and support.

She added: "The community support has been fantastic. It's been really good to have that support at a time like this.

"We've had letters and cards from people we don't know telling us their thoughts and prayers are with us."

Residents of Dewsbury Moor searched relentlessly for Shannon who went missing on February 19 on her way home from school.

Thousands of leaflets were delivered to homes and hundreds of posters placed on lampposts and in shop and house windows across the area.

Candlelit vigils were held, a sponsored walk organised and an official appeal fund and website launched to help find the nine-year-old girl.

Leon said: "The community support has been brilliant. Thanks to everyone who's helped - the public and the police who've been stars.

"All that counts is that Shannon has been found safe and well. I'm thankful that the nightmare is over - it's now a dream come true."

Shannon, from Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, is in police care after her remarkable discovery in the base of a bed at a flat in Lidgate Gardens, Batley Carr, yesterday (Friday).

It marked the end of a 24-day hunt for the Westmoor Junior School pupil, West Yorkshire Police's largest-scale investigation for 25 years.

Karen said: "We're just happy to be a family again. That's all we've wanted - Shannon back and safe - now the family is safe again."

Both of Shannon's parents thanked the media for their support, but said they now wanted to be left alone to come to terms with what had happened.

• A 39-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Friday) on suspicion of abduction. Police say no further details can be made public about him at this time.

Click here to see a timeline of events since Shannon's discovery

• Email Margaret Heward or Julie Bartram to share your thoughts and we will publish them online.