Don Littlefair will make a daily visit to his daughter's grave today, accompanied by family and friends.

Rachael Littlefair was 20 when she was strangled by her 18-year-old boyfriend, Billy Clifton on August 27, last year.

He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to provocation and was sentenced to four years in a young offenders' institution.

The couple's baby, Caitlin, has been living with Rachael's parents since her death and she is a constant reminder of what the couple have lost.

"We get up and go about our everyday lives because we have to, for Caitlin and for our other daughter, Kirsty, who is 18," said mother Lynn.

"Caitlin is the spitting image of Rachael. It can make it harder because every time we look at her we see Rachael, but we know she would have been proud of her."

Mr and Mrs Littlefair, who are Caitlin's legal guardians, know when she is older they will have to explain what happened to her mother.

Mrs Littlefair said: "I am dreading when she asks questions, but we will tell her the truth. She goes to the cemetery with us so, she knows where her mum is, and at the moment that is enough.

"I only hope it doesn't cause her problems when she is older. Everyone needs their mum and we are very clear that we are not Caitlin's parents. We can't take Rachael's place."

Both Mr and Mrs Littlefair have returned to work since Rachael's death, but they continue to feel the daily effects of what happened.

Mrs Littlefair said: "I have a pain in my chest all the time and it is hard to talk about it still. You never think something like this will happen to you."

Despite trying to live normal lives, the Littlefairs find it impossible to look to the future.

Mrs Littlefair said: "We are all just on autopilot. Our friends and family have been amazing, but we are still just getting through each day."

But one future event they have discussed is Clifton's release.

Mr Littlefair said: "It is a joke that he will be out in another two years, but we are serving a life sentence without our daughter. He can have another relationship and more children. Rachael was robbed of that right. We were robbed of a daughter, but most of all Caitlin was robbed of a mother."

Just over a week ago, Rachael would have celebrated her 21st birthday.

Mrs Littlefair said: "I want to remember her the way she was with Caitlin. She was a bright girl who took to motherhood like a duck to water.

"I can only hope the day will come when what happened to Rachael isn't the first thing I think about when I wake up."