THE parents of murdered teenager Jenny Nicholl have received messages of support and offers of assistance following a police decision to charge a man with their daughter's death.

Well-wishers have left messages on the Jenny Nicholl website, set up following the teenager's disappearance in June 2005.

One message reads: "We know that you will have to live through a terrible ordeal in the days ahead.

"We will be thinking of you both, stay strong. If there is anything we can do to help you through this time just ask."

Another says: "I hope you get all the answers you need now and hopefully your chance to say goodbye to Jenny properly."

Other well-wishers say they will pray for the family.

David Hodgson, 47, of Olav Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with the teenager's murder.

He was remanded in custody until next Thursday when he will appear at Teesside Crown Court.

Brian and Ann Nicholl attended the hearing at Northallerton Magistrates' Court with detectives and family liaison officers.

The development in the murder case was being discussed yesterday in Miss Nicholl's home town of Richmond.

The teenager was well known in the town.

She attended St Francis Xavier School, worked at the Co-op supermarket and was a regular at several town centre pubs.

Despite extensive searches, Miss Nicholl's body has never been found.

Posters appealing for information that were put up by the young woman's family are still displayed in many of the town's shops. Posters have also been attached to gateposts and trees in the countryside surrounding the market town.

Police said last night it was too early to say if any fresh leads had come in following an appeal by Detective Superintendent Sue Cross.

After Wednesday's court appearance, Det Supt Cross called on anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jenny's body to get in touch.

She said finding the body remained a priority for the investigation team.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 0845-60-60-247 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

You can visit the website at www.jennynicholl.blogspot.com