THE parents of murdered shopworker Jenny Nicholl are asking well-wishers to light a candle for their daughter this Christmas.

More than 1,000 candles have been handed out to shops in Jenny's home town of Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The candles are wrapped in heart-covered cellophane and tied up with a ribbon.

An attached card has a picture of the young woman and the message: "Here today, where tomorrow? Please light a candle for Jenny at Christmas."

The card includes a short poem written by a friend of the family.

It reads: "If the love surrounding you was measured by light, your family would never have felt this darkness."

In a statement on the family's website, set up after Jenny went missing in June last year, parents Brian and Ann Nicholl said: "We are so, so grateful to a posse of friends who have gathered together on a number of occasions to make these little gifts and distribute them.

"Don't forget to light a candle yourselves for Jenny over Christmas.

"Keep your fingers crossed and pray that soon we will get something substantial and positive, as soon as possible, in the New Year."

The family has also produced a new hard-hitting poster that appeals direct to the murderer.

It reads: "Someone's conscience must be killing them."

The posters have gone up in shop windows around Richmond.

In the town's Co-op supermarket, where Jenny worked, the Christmas tree has been decorated with mock presents featuring a picture of the missing woman.

And up till Christmas, large candles will be placed in several pubs where Jenny used to play pool.

The candles will have posters on three sides, reminding drinkers that the young woman has still not been found.

Jenny, who would now be 21, left her home on June 30, last year.

A murder investigation was launched four months later when major searches failed to find any trace of her. Police said yesterday the murder investigation was continuing, along with searches of the countryside around Richmond.

Anyone with information about Jenny's whereabouts is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 0845-60-60-247. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555-111.

Go to the website at www.jennynicholl.blogspot. com