The 70 year old had been missing for over a year 

REMAINS of a missing pensioner have been discovered in a churchyard.

Murder detectives who had been searching grounds of St Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Friern Barnet Lane, Finchley, say they have formally identified Norma Girolami.

A £20,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of her body was staked last month a year on from disappearance in August last year.

A man has already been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: “Despite accepting that Norma was no longer alive, I know that her family are deeply affected by the news that her remains have been found.

“My team has spent more than a year searching for Norma and there is a sense of relief that we have found her remains which will undergo forensic examination in due course.

“I would still be very keen to hear from anyone who knew Norma, either in London or at Leigh on Sea who can provide information on anything that was happening in her life in August last year.

“I am also appealing for anyone who saw any activity around the Churchyard in Frern Barnet Lane between August and October last year.

“Norma’s family and friends have endured a year of not knowing what had happened to her and our investigation remains ongoing.

“If you have any information, no matter how small a detail it may seem, please do get in touch.”

Ms Girolami, who was 70 at the time of her death, lived in Highgate for many years and was a parishioner at St Joseph’s Church.

She was known to take transport to Brent Cross to do her shopping and was also a member at Archway Leisure Centre.

The last day anyone heard from her was August 19 after she had taken a day trip to Leigh-on-Sea.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.