A SPECIAL service is to be held next month to remember those from across the north of England who have gone missing from home.

The charity Missing People has organised the carol service at St Michael-le-Belfry in York on December 18 at 7pm.

Among those taking part will be Peter Lawrence whose daughter Claudia, a university chef, went missing more than five years ago.

“It is every family’s worst nightmare when something like this happens,” he said.

“I hope this carol service will be an opportunity for the city of York to come together and remember those who aren’t with us, and I encourage anyone who is interested in supporting the work of the charity to attend.”

Organisers say the service will help support those left behind by bringing the community together and by remembering those missing, at what is often a difficult time of year.

The charity’s chief executive, Jo Youle said: “We know that Christmas is a particularly hard time for people searching for their loved ones.

“The limbo of having someone missing and not knowing whether they are safe is even harder at a time when families are coming together to celebrate the festive season.”

To book a ticket or for further information call 0800-6477466 or visit missingpeople.org.uk/localcarols