A NEW law to support families of a missing loved one is in its final stages of preparation.

Claudia's Law, which was set up after Claudia Lawrence from York went missing in 2009, is expected to be ready by July.

Once in place, the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act will help the families of a missing person, manage their financial and property affairs.

Claudia's father Peter Lawrence said: "I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement that Claudia’s Law is moving into the final stages of preparation for use by the families of those who find themselves trying to manage the affairs of a missing loved one.

"A tremendous amount of work has been done by many people to get this Act ready and it is good to know that it is intended to be available in July.”

The Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke said he expected the Guardianship to be fully-available in July.