Kate McCann, mother of Madeleine McCann, joins Peter Lawrence, father of York chef Claudia Lawrence, during a Vigil for the Missing at York Minster yesterday.

THE father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence has been joined by the mother of Madeleine McCann as he held a candlelit vigil to mark his daughter's 37th birthday.

Peter Lawrence and Kate McCann walked sideby- side through the streets of York as they led a procession to York Minster for a service to remember missing loved ones.

The vigil, which was also attended by the Archbishop of York, was organised by Mr Lawrence as a way of showing support for the families and friends of missing people.

The 64-year-old solicitor led a procession to the minster, where candles were lit at the high altar.

Mr Lawrence said that although almost two years have passed since his daughter's disappearance, he is determined to keep Claudia in the public eye.

'It's obviously difficult, but I made my mind up at the beginning that that's what I would do, so that's why I am here,' he said.

'I am told that information is still trickling in.

That's why I'm here saying please give whatever information you have to the police.'

Mrs McCann has conducted a high-profile search for daughter Madeline since she vanished while on holiday in Portugal in 2007, aged four.

Mrs McCann said: 'Our daughters are different ages, and the circumstances are very different, but we share the same pain and fear and hope.

Miss Lawrence was born in Malton, North Yorkshire, and lived in the Heworth area of York.

Her parents are originally from Darlington.

She has not been seen since she failed to arrive for work at York University in March 2009.

Yesterday, a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said investigators were no closer to finding out what has happened to the York University chef.

'We would ask anyone with information to contact us,' he said Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.