A SPECIAL service has been held to remember those people who are missing - including chef Claudia Lawrence, last seen in March 2009.

The first Missing People Northern Carol Service was organised by her father Peter Lawrence at St Chad's Church in York today (Monday, December 10).

Every year over 1,000 people go missing from their homes, the service was to mark and remember them and provide support for friends and family.

Police are treating Claudia's disappearance as suspected murder and there is an ongoing appeal for information.

The service in St Chad’s was designedto coincide with a service held in London for many years.

Martin Dales, spokesman for Peter Lawrence said: ”It was a truly moving service and a real chance for people to remember loved ones.

"The emphasis was on all missing people and all those who find themselves in this ghastly situation.

“Claudia’s friend Suzie Cooper spoke about the tragedy of not having Claudia in her life, something we all feel so deeply.”

Over 100 people attended the service with the Choir of Headlands Primary School, Haxby, leading the singing.

Claudia who was born in Darlington and brought up in Malton was 35 when she disappeared from her home in Heworth, York.