THE mother of murdered shopworker Jenny Nicholl made an emotional appeal direct to her daughter's killer yesterday.

Ann Nicholl pleaded for the murderer to end the uncertainty and tell detectives what had happened to the 19-year-old.

A tearful Mrs Nicholl, 50, said: "I want to appeal directly to whoever knows where Jenny is and what has happened to her.

"The family need an end to all of this.

"We need whoever is responsible to stop the terrible anxiety and uncertainty that has ruled our lives for nearly five months.

"Will someone please go to the police now, tell them where our daughter is and what has happened to her."

Speaking at a Press conference at the Holly Hill Inn, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, where Jenny's car was found on July 4, Mrs Nicholl said her daughter was a loving, caring young person.

"Jenny is unique," she said.

"She is a talented guitarist who enjoys music and playing pool in a local league.

"She has a large circle of friends in Richmond and finds it easy to get along with everyone.

"She has a kind and gentle nature and would always help those less fortunate than herself. Quite simply, she is our daughter."

Up to 40 officers are now working to catch the killer.

Detectives believe the teenager's body has either been buried or dumped in a cave or mine shaft near the town.

They believe the shopworker was killed by a friend or associate.

Aerial photographs of the area to the south-west of Richmond have been taken to assist the search.

Jenny was known to have visited the surrounding moors and woods days before her disappearance.

Detective Inspector Peter Martin said: "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, but we're going to keep looking.

"We're working very hard and we're not going to give up until we catch the person responsible."

Detectives produced duplicates of Jenny's clothing that she was wearing when she was last seen by her parents on June 30.

A portable CD, radio and cassette player were also shown, along with a box similar to one the teenager kept jewellery, make-up and possibly a video camera in.

Jenny may have taken both objects with her when she disappeared.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has found, or acquired, similar items.

Detectives are still trying to trace someone who sent text messages on Jenny's phone several days after she went missing.

DI Martin said: "I am disappointed to say that so far we have not received any information concerning persons who could potentially have sent the spurious text messages from Jenny's phone, from Carlisle, on July 9, and Jedburgh, on July 14.

"We believe that those text messages were not sent by Jenny, but were sent by someone close enough to Jenny to know personal details about her."

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on (01423) 539334 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.