DETECTIVES investigating the suspected murder of York chef Claudia Lawrence are expected to give an update on the inquiry on tomorrow’s BBC Crimewatch programme.

Meanwhile, Claudia’s father, Peter Lawrence, is hoping people across the country will mark the eve of his daughter’s 36th birthday by releasing a balloon into the sky.

In York, he will join the Lord Mayor of York and Lady Mayoress for an event in St Sampson’s Square, starting at 11.45am on Friday.

It will include a balloon launch at 12.30pm, followed by the lighting of a candle on a birthday cake especially made for the occasion by Imaginative Icing, of York and Scarborough.

Each balloon will carry a tag appealing for information about the vanishing of Claudia, who has not been seen for almost a year.

These tags can be downloaded from findclaudia.co.uk and the aim is for people to support Claudia’s father and friends by releasing their own balloon into the sky at 12.30pm on Friday from wherever they are in the country.

Martin Dales, a friend and spokesman for Mr Lawrence, said: “Inevitably, it will be a difficult day for Peter, his family and Claudia’s friends. But there is a desire to make this a day of both celebration as well as concern for the fact that Claudia is still missing.

“The waiting is agonising for everyone who loves and cares for Claudia, and someone or some people seem determined to pile on the hell of not knowing by not telling us where she is.

“It is unforgiveable to cause the police to have to spend so much time and resources and to cause the family so much distress.

“Whoever is responsible should search their consciences and help bring this to a speedy conclusion.”

The event in St Sampson’s Square will also include live music from The Dunwells, one of Claudia’s favourite bands.

The Press is backing the Claudia Lawrence Awareness Day by producing new posters urging anybody with information about her disappearance to come forward.

Businesses are being urged to show their support for Claudia’s family and friends by displaying the poster as part of the awareness day.

Posters can be picked up from The Press offices, at 76-86 Walmgate, York, or at the city centre council offices at 5 Silver Street, near Parliament Street, in York.

Businesses can also download the poster from The Press website at yorkpress.co.uk/claudia

Anyone with any information about Claudia’s disappearance should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.