More than 10,000 people have joined social networking groups on Facebook appealing for help in finding missing York woman Claudia Lawrence.

Police divers have been scouring waterways in the city for clues as the search for the 35-year-old university chef enters its 10th day.

Prayers for her safe return are also being said throughout the day at the Archbishop of York's home.

A friend who set up the Facebook page said the response was "incredible".

Everyone just wants her to come home safe
Melanie Harrison

Melanie Harrison said all Claudia's friends were heartened by the support shown on the site.

She said: "It's quiet incredible, the response, really.

"It's overwhelming to know that we've got that support behind us in trying to find her.

"Everyone just wants her to come home safe."

Claudia Lawrence was last seen after leaving the University of York's Goodricke College last Wednesday.

Dr John Sentamu said he was asked to pray for Miss Lawrence by her father Peter when they spoke on Thursday.

Mr Lawrence has denied suggestions that his daughter disappeared after a secret meeting with a new boyfriend.

He told the BBC's Missing Live programme: "It's just so unlikely, I think one of her friends would have known [if she had a boyfriend].

"She's the sort of person, who is bubbly, who is sociable, who chats to her friends. So if I didn't know, her friends would have known."
source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/7969628.stm