THREE years after Newport pensioner Veronica Reynolds went missing, an inquest is to be held next week into her death.

The 70-year-old's remains were found in January 2004 in a ditch in farmland near her Malpas home.

Saturday marks the third anniversary of her disappearance on August 13, 2002.

A full inquest into her death is due to be held at Newport coroner's court next Thursday. And the police have vowed to find out what led to her death. After she went missing, police launched a major inquiry which at its height involved 40 officers.

Two people were subsequently arrested in connection with her disappearance.

A 53-year-old Cardiff man was arrested in August 2003 and later released on police bail.

Yesterday the officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Bryan Wilson, said the man was no longer on police bail: "At this moment in time, no individual is charged or on bail in relation to the matter."

He said he was determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Mrs Reynolds.

"I would dearly love to know exactly what has happened in this case." Although he said the case is not a murder inquiry "in all missing person investigations, police have to keep an open mind. It is important that we not only locate a missing person alive and well, but that we do our utmost to uncover the reasons behind the disappearance.

"We are awaiting the inquest and the coroner's decision on the papers before him.

"There are still circumstances surrounding this lady's disappearance that we are unaware of."

Detective Superintendent Wilson said a team of six officers are currently working on the case. He said after an inquest verdict is recorded he and the investigating team will meet. "There may be opportunities that arise, and this will remain a live investigation until we know the exact circumstances of her disappearance.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with the family. I am sure they would like to know exactly what happened.

"The family have always been supportive of the police, and the small team of officers involved have the greatest respect for them."

Gwent Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact Detective Superintendent Bryan Wilson on 01633 642388, or Detective Sergeant Russ Tiley at Bettws police on 01633 838111.