THE family of a mother-of-four who vanished without a trace has appealed for witnesses to come forward on the eve of her 60th birthday.

Sandra Gant went missing, aged 48, on November 15, 2003.

The divorced mum-of-four, who lived alone in Wellesley Road, Clacton, disappeared after drinking with friends at a flat in the town’s Hayes Road.

Sandra, whose 60th birthday is on May 10, was often seen around the town with friends and was well known.

Police still believe someone in Clacton has vital information about her disappearance.

Sandra’s mum, Rita, said: “She’s been missing all this time and nobody has come forward. Someone out there knows what happened.

“I try not to think about dates and anniversaries, but this one, being her 60th birthday, has been harder than the others.

“Sandra had always just been there and not knowing what has happened to her is worse.

“Because she is missing, we have got nowhere to go to grieve and get no support – it’s all so hard and confusing."

Sandra’s daughters, Carrie Mead and Lauren Cheasley, previously told how their mother had sunk into depression and poor health after her 20-year marriage broke down.

Sandra met two friends at a soup kitchen in Clacton, on November 15, 2003. The trio and a new male acquaintance then went for a drink at a flat.

It is thought Sandra left to go home, but it is not known if she ever got there.

Four people were arrested in connection with her disappearance, but no-one was charged.

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.