THE mother of missing Jenny Nicholl was waiting anxiously for news last night after making a heartfelt plea on her daughter's birthday.

Several callers phoned police after Ann Nicholl's emotional appeal yesterday.

But, as of midnight, Miss Nicholl, who disappeared from her home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, just over three months ago, had still not telephoned.

Detectives said it was too early to say if the callers had given them any fresh leads.

Mrs Nicholl marked her daughter's 20th birthday by erecting two 8ft banners.

She then appealed for Miss Nicholl to call home, or anyone with information on her whereabouts, to contact police.

Mrs Nicholl said: "We want to tell her that she is loved, she is missed and we want her to call home. We felt that her birthday could be the catalyst for her returning safely to us.

"We have obviously racked our brains and there's nothing on that day, or the week leading up to her disappearance, that could suggest why she's gone away."

Mrs Nicholl said she and her husband, Brian, had been overwhelmed by the support of the police, the Missing Persons' Helpline and the people of Richmondshire.

One banner was erected outside the Co-op in Richmond where Miss Nicholl worked. Another was placed opposite the town's Georgian Theatre Royal.

Yesterday, local radio stations played Miss Nicholl's favourite song, The Wind Cries Mary, by Jimi Hendrix.

Mr and Mrs Nicholl also took out an advert in a local free newspaper to wish their daughter a happy birthday and appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Pete Martin, from Richmond CID, said he still believed Miss Nicholl may be found safe and well.

He said: "This is still a missing from home inquiry.

"We have obviously considered that there may be a more sinister aspect to this inquiry.

"But our main objective is to find Jenny alive and well and reunite her with her parents."

Det Insp Martin admitted it was one of the most baffling and difficult investigations he had ever worked on.

Miss Nicholl was last seen on June 30 when she walked out the door of the family home. Her car was found abandoned four days later in the Holly Hill pub car park, in Richmond.

Anyone with information on Miss Nicholl's whereabouts is urged to call police on (01423) 539334.