A MOTHER whose daughter is believed to be murdered has today made an emotional appeal for information.

Jenny Nicholl was 19 when she went missing in the Yorkshire Dales on June 30.

Mysterious text messages containing personal information were sent from her mobile phone on July 9 from Carlisle to friends and from Jeburgh on July 14 to her dad.

Police believe the messages were sent by her murderer to throw them off the scent.

It has emerged that Jenny had an affair with a married man in the years before she went missing and then had a close relationship with the married man's brother. Police have interviewed both men.

At a police conference in Jenny's home town of Richmond her mother Ann Nicholl, 50, fought back the tears as she made a statement.

Speaking at the Holly Hill pub where Jenny's Rover 214 car Mrs Nicholl spoke as if her daughter was still alive.

She said: "Firstly I want to tell you a little about our daughter. Jenny is unique. She is a lovely, caring young person.

"She is a talented guitarist who enjoys music and playing pool in a local league. She has a large circle of friends in Richmond and finds it easy to get along with everyone.

"She has a kind and gentle nature and would always help those less fortunate than herself. Quite simply, she is our daughter.

"The family needs an end to all this. We need whoever is responsible to stop the terrible anxiety and uncertainty that ha ruined our lives for nearly five months."

Detective inspector Pete Martin said: "This is the biggest police inspection Richmond has ever had. We have had search teams out every day almost since Jenny was reported missing on July 4 but it is like looking for a needle in a haystack."

He added that no-one had come to police with any information about the mobile phone text messages since a major appeal. There have been no recent sightings.

"It has made us even more certain that Jenny is dead," he said.