John Dorrian - who has vowed to step up the search for his daughter in 2008 - has pleaded with anyone who knows the whereabouts of his daughter's body to come forward before Christmas.

This will be the heartbroken family's third Christmas without Lisa.

The Co Down man told how Christmas Day will just seem like any other day to his family. Although they have not been thinking about Christmas, the family will still do their best to make it special for Lisa's 11-year-old sister Ciara, and nephew Ryan (7).

Said John: "There will be an empty space at our table and in our hearts this Christmas, and we can't believe it. It's almost been three years and they have been a living hell.

"Once again, we will all wake up on Christmas morning with the same questions that we have had for almost three years - 'Where is Lisa?' and 'what have these evil people done with her?'

"Lisa loved this time of year and we had a great time the Christmas before she was taken from us. Little did we know that it would be the last Christmas we would ever spend with her.

"It will be hard on Christmas Day, but we will have to put on a brave face for the kids."

He added: "All we want is someone to tell us where she is so we can have a grave to go to. Is this too much to ask at this time of year?

"Our pain is getting worse the longer this goes on. That's why, at Christmas, I'm pleading with these people to tell us where she is. All it takes is a phone call.

"We know the suspects have brothers and sisters, and if they could only imagine what we are going through."

The dad-of four also told how people from around the world had been moved after Sunday Life revealed how the family marked 1,000 days since Lisa's disappearance on November 25 by making a fresh appeal for information.

One posting read: "I hoped that paper went into every home and I hope someone somewhere reads the article and says 'enough is enough'.

"I just hope one day the Sunday Life will be able to report on Lisa being returned to her nearest and dearest. With continued media coverage there will be no escape from their consciences for those who have the vital information to bring closure to the family."

Added Mr Dorrian: "The reaction we got to the marking of 1,000 days since Lisa's disappearance was fantastic and we can't thank people enough.

"They came from all over the world and it's great to know that people haven't forgotten about us after all this time."

In the days since Lisa's disappearance, the family have also received support from Snow Patrol, Donny Osmond and launched major advertising campaigns in their crusade for justice.