Prayer comfort for Claudia father

Ms Lawrence has not been seen since 18 March

The father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence has thanked the public for their support more than three months after his daughter vanished.

Speaking to BBC Radio York, Peter Lawrence said their support and prayers had given him comfort.

The 35-year-old was last seen on 18 March. Police are treating her disappearance as suspected murder.

Mr Lawrence said: "I just thank them with all my heart. I know there are so many people out there praying."

Miss Lawrence was last seen near her home on Heworth Road on 18 March and failed to arrive for work at the University of York's Goodricke College the following morning.

Mr Lawrence said his daughter's disappearance for no apparent reason had tested his religious faith.

He said: "At times I can feel why have I got a faith, we're now more than 100 days with absolutely no news at all... but on the other hand if you don't have faith, what do you have?"

The police investigation into Miss Lawrence's disappearance is the largest in North Yorkshire since the search for multiple killer Mark Hobson in 2004.

Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.