DETECTIVES last night renewed their appeal for help in finding the body of Jenny Nicholl, hours after a man appeared in court accused of killing her.

David Hodgson, 47, of Olav Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, appeared before magistrates in Northallerton yesterday morning, where he was formally charged with the murder of Miss Nicholl on or about June 30, 2005.

The 19-year-old has not been seen since leaving her family's former home in Bolton Avenue, Richmond, on that date.

Despite a huge search by North Yorkshire Police, her body has never been found.

Four months after her disappearance, police announced their investigation had become a murder inquiry.

Mr Hodgson was arrested at 8am yesterday and taken straight to court. During the five-minute hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address. No application for bail was made and Mr Hodgson was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court next Thursday.

The hearing was attended by Miss Nicholl's parents, Brian and Ann, who sat at the back of the courtroom with detectives and police family liaison officers.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the decision to charge Mr Hodgson had been taken on the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Robert Turnbull, chief Crown prosecutor of North Yorkshire, said: "This is an unusual case in that Jenny's body has never been recovered.

"I am, however, satisfied after careful and detailed consideration that there is sufficient evidence to establish a realistic prospect of conviction against Mr Hodgson for Jenny's murder and on that basis he should be charged with this offence."

Mr Hodgson, a married father-of-one, was first arrested on suspicion of murder in January last year, but was released from bail in September.

He has admitted that he had a relationship with Miss Nicholl.

Detective Superintendent Sue Cross, who is leading the investigation, last night appealed for anyone with information about the location of Miss Nicholl's body to come forward.

She said: "This is clearly a difficult and traumatic day for Jenny's family, particularly as her body has not yet been recovered. Locating Jenny does remain a priority for the investigation team in order that Brian and Ann can lay their daughter to rest in a dignified manner fitting any human being.

"Anyone who has any information which may assist with locating Jenny's body is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."