THE detective leading the investigation into the disappearance of York chef Claudia Lawrence is to read a lesson at The Press’s Absent Friends carol service next month.

Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway will be joining the missing 35-year-old’s father, Peter Lawrence, for the event on December 9.

The service aims to offer those who will be separated from their loved ones during the festive season an occasion at which they can officially remember them.

A collection will be held for Missing People, a charity that provides families of missing people specialist advice and practical support.

Det Supt Galloway said: “The nature of police work means we often come into contact with many distressed and bereaved families whose loved ones are missing or deceased. “Christmas is a time when families get together and these losses become magnified. The service gives a chance for us to reflect, share our thoughts and give our support to those who will find Christmas a very difficult time.”

The service will be held at The Press’s local church – St Denys’ Church, in Walmgate – and we would like to invite people to join us and email us with names of absent friends they would like us to read out during the service.

Other guests will include BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, Detective Constable Paul Groves, a family liaison officer at North Yorkshire Police, and Missing People’s director of finances and resources Douglas Parkhill.

The service will start at noon, led by the Rev Allan Hughes. Pupils from St Lawrence CE Primary School will be leading the singing and refreshments will be served after the service.

All are welcome, but the public is asked to bear in mind the church is small and worshippers should arrive early for the best chance of attendance.

Please email the names of the loved ones you will be separated from at Christmas to nicola.fifield@thepress.co.uk by December 7. Every care will be taken to collect names faithfully, but The Press cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.

If you are not able to attend the service, but would like to make a donation to Missing People, log on to missingpeople.org.uk/supportus, phone 0800 298 7858, or make cheques payable to Missing People and send them to Missing People, 284 Upper Richmond Road West, London, SW14 7JE.