The husband of Harrogate nurse Marsha Wray, who disappeared two years ago, has spoken of the terrible toll the police inquiry has taken on their two children.

Colin Wray, with his children Philippa, aged 10, and Robert, aged seven, at their home in Forest Lane, Harrogate.

Mrs Wray's sister Belinda Maddison joined Harrogate Police yesterday in making an appeal for information - but admitted she shared their belief there was little hope her sister was still alive.

Colin Wray, who was unaware the police press conference had taken place, later spoke to the Evening Press from the Forest Lane home he shared with his wife - and where he still lives with their children Phillipa, 10, and Robert, seven.

He says he does not know if his wife is alive or dead but can only hope she will contact her family or the police if she is able to.

"I have always asked Marsha to get in touch with her mother," said Mr Wray.

"I have not changed our home number here in case she wants to phone us.

"The children and I have co-operated throughout the police inquiry.

"I told them absolutely everything I could think of, gave a voluntary blood sample and access to all our medical records.

"They have searched our home from top to bottom and a lot of property has been taken away.

"The garden has been dug up and they took all our financial records for inspection.

"I have not changed anything in the house and her car is still here - I've just had its service and MOT done.

"There's nothing more we can think of to do."

Police believe Mrs Wray's red Metro Quest, which is parked on the driveway outside the family home, now holds their best hope of finding out what happened to her. It was seen parked at the Nidd Valley Gorge, on January 26 and 28, 1997, just a few days after Mrs Wray went missing.

It was later recovered from Headingley, in Leeds, and was returned to Mr Wray by police. Officers say they have no idea how it got to Leeds - but think whoever drove the car holds the key to solving the mystery.

Mrs Wray trained in Leeds and her husband said they often socialised in the Headlingley area, but says he has no idea how her car got there.

His priority is keeping life as normal as possible for the children, who have been repeatedly questioned since their mother went missing.

"Of course what has happened has had an impact on them and they are still trying to adapt," he said.

"Our neighbours and their teachers have been very supportive and their schoolwork has not suffered, although they did have some time off."

"We still go and stay with Marsha's parents in Northumberland, we were up a few days before Christmas."

Anyone with information about Mrs Wray's disappearance is asked to contact police on 01423 539428.

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