Two best mates oblivious to the horrors ahead...

Tragic childhood friends were inseparable, says mum

- LUCY THORNTON

CHILDHOOD friends pose for a charming holiday snap, with no idea of the cruel fate that would await both of them.

Claudia Lawrence and Lisa Welford were inseparable. Now Claudia is missing and Lisa is dead, murdered by her ex-partner.

Mum Joan Lawrence, 81, recalled the day the pair were confirmed together at their church.

She said: "It was such a special day.

Claudia and Lisa looked lovely.

"They were dressed all in white with veils, like angels. It was a beautiful occasion."

Joan said caring Lisa, 49, comforted her after Claudia vanished in 2009, aged 35.

And it was Lisa who sent Joan the photo of the two girls together on a holiday in Torquay.

On the back of the snap, Lisa wrote: "To Mrs Lawrence, I found this pic of Claudie and me and I thought you'd of liked it.

"We were best friends and I always think about her."

Joan added: "How could two children that grew up together have terrible things happen to them?"

Yesterday, Lisa's killer, Vincent Morgan, 47, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of her murder.