DETECTIVES have marked the six-month anniversary since the disappearance of shopworker Jenny Nicholl with a declaration that justice will be done.

Police said last night that they are determined to catch her killer.

Jenny, who was 19 when she disappeared, left her home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, on June 30, telling her parents she would not return home that night.

She would often go camping, but was reported missing on July 4 after she had still failed to return home or get in-touch.

Her white Rover 214i was found at the Holly Hill Inn, on the south-western outskirts of Richmond, the same day.

A missing person inquiry was launched, and the investigation was upgraded to a murder hunt on November 3.

Police chiefs said there had been no let-up in the investigation.

About 30 officers continue to work on the case at Richmond police station.

Detective Inspector Pete Martin, the officer leading the inquiry, said: "We are still investigating this case with vigour and determination, and we will continue to do so.

"Someone knows where Jenny Nicholl is and what has happened to her, and we will find that person or persons.

"As we go into 2006, the team is still totally committed to resolving this investigation, seeing that justice is done and ending months of uncertainty and anxiety for Jenny's family."

The investigation team is concentrating on building up a picture of the days leading to July 4, focusing on the people Jenny was with, as well as continuing inquiries in and around the town.

Police said searches of the countryside around Richmond would also continue.

Detectives are also still appealing for information on texts made from Jenny's mobile phone after her disappearance.

It is believed messages sent from the Jedburgh area of the Scottish Borders, and the Carlisle area of Cumbria, on Jenny's mobile phone after her disappearance, could have been sent by the killer.

Police searching for clues found a mobile phone in a drain at Richmond before Christmas.

However, the phone was unconnected with the case.

Anyone with information about Jenny has been asked to contact police on (01423) 539334.