A little girl whose mum has been missing for almost three years has made an emotional appeal on the internet for sightings of her.

Six-year-old Ola Wnuczek has been helped by police to make the short film, in which she appeals for information about her mother's whereabouts.

It has now been placed on YouTube and Facebook, where police hope it will reach an international audience.

It is the first time Leicestershire police have filmed such an appeal in a missing person case.

Her mother Malgorzata Wnuczek was reported missing by relatives in Poland in November 2006.

Ola's appeal, which was filmed at the family home in Poland, shows the youngster celebrating her birthday recently.

It was placed on the two social networking sites last week.

In the minute-long film, Ola speaks in Polish and her words are translated into English by a narrator.

She refers to the family coming to the UK, possibly next week, to make further appeals for information.

She says: "I am Ola, I am six years old and I don't remember my mummy.

"I would really like it if, when we go to England, it might be possible I could then go for a walk, as we might then see my mum.

"Not long ago I had my birthday and I was so sad that mum was not there."

Ms Wnuczek moved to Leicester in July 2005 and, at various times, lived in both the Narborough Road and Spinney Hills areas of the city.

Leicestershire police have searched a number of houses in the two neighbourhoods, but have found no trace of her.

She was declared missing in November 2006 after she failed to contact her family for a number of months.

The Polish authorities are working with Leicestershire police to find her.

Posters have also been put up around the city.

A Leicestershire police spokeswoman said: "This is the first time that we are using Facebook for a missing person appeal.

"We know that, as an international social network, Facebook can reach people we wouldn't traditionally be able to capture.

"The Polish migrant community is exactly that, they move around countries and continents.

"People who knew Malgorzata, or know where she is now, could be anywhere in the world.

"But, by putting this appeal on Facebook and her daughter's appeal on YouTube, we hope to reach people across the globe."

The appeal is also being supported by national charity Missing People.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "We have used YouTube before for appeals, it can be very useful."

Information about Ms Wnuczek can be passed to Missing People on 0500 700 700, or people can call a dedicated Leicestershire police hotline staffed by Polish-speaking officers on 0116 248 4162.