THE mother of Claudia Lawrence has thanked local people for their continued support ahead of the eight anniversary of her daughter’s disappearance.

Joan Lawrence, who lives in Norton, said every day got harder, but she always had the support of those around her.

“It is horrendous and never gets any easier to deal with,” she said. “Sometimes I wonder how I get through each day, but I am very lucky to have people who rally round me and the people of Malton and Norton are always there for me.”

Claudia was last seen on CCTV walking home from the University of York, where she worked, on the evening of March 18, 2009. She was 35 at the time.

Later that evening, she spoke to both her parents on the phone, but she has never been seen or heard from since.

Mrs Lawrence said: “This time of year is particularly difficult with Mother’s Day next Sunday as well.

“As a mum I will never give us, we just need that one piece of information, but for some

reason people are not coming forward.

“The pain of not knowing what has happened to Claudia is dreadful and I urge anyone who knows anything to come forward.”

In January, North Yorkshire Police announced they were scaling down their investigations, stating almost all avenues of inquiry had been exhausted.

Claudia’s father, Peter Lawrence, said he would be marking the anniversary of her disappearance next week when the third reading of a missing persons bill will debated in the House of Commons.

Claudia’s Law is a change to current guardianship legislation which will award families greater control over the affairs of any loved ones who have been missing for 90 days or more.

It has already passed its first two readings and the committee stage, but was delayed last month when Christchurch MP Christopher Chope objected to the bill before it could be passed.

It will go before the Commons again on Friday, March 24 when Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake will lead the debate.

Martin Dales, Peter Lawrence’s friend and spokesman, said: “All anniversaries of Claudia’s disappearance are painful times for her family and friends and this year is no exception.

“Claudia’s father Peter will be spending this weekend quietly and reflectively.”

“Peter is intending to wait until March 24 to mark the eighth anniversary when the Report Stage and third Reading of Guardianship (Missing Persons) Bill – dubbed Claudia’s Law - will debated in the House of Commons.”