THE newborn niece of presumed murder victim Belinda Gibson has been named in her memory.

Southampton mum Belinda disappeared on February 16 last year and is now presumed dead.

Her disappearance prompted Hampshire police to launch a missing person's investigation, which later became a murder inquiry.

Today, as two men await trial accused of her murder, her family announced the safe arrival of her baby niece on what would have been Belinda's 34th birthday.

Her mother, Gloria Dunne, turned to the Daily Echo to make the touching tribute.

Baby Sydney Belinda Robyn Neal was born to Belinda's sister Donna and husband Robin at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, on September 25.

Now home in Cowplain, near Portsmouth, baby Sydney, a sister for three-year-old son Aaidan, is making excellent progress.

It is understood 31-year-old Donna, nee Gough, had initially chosen Belinda as her baby's Christian name but later settled on it as a middle name.

The choice has the backing of all members of Belinda's family.

Mrs Dunne, 53, who lives with husband Martin in West End, said: "Donna wanted to call the baby Belinda but we felt it was too raw.

"It was a family decision and everyone is happy with what she has chosen. We need Belinda to be remembered."

Mrs Dunne, who also has a younger daughter, Kerry, 24, said Belinda would be forever in her thoughts.

In a poignant message to her eldest daughter in the Daily Echo's announcements section today, she wrote: "Across the water in a faraway land, we wait until we again hold hands. You are always in our hearts and minds."

Belinda's husband David Gibson, 31, of Purvis Gardens, Sholing, and his father Leslie Gibson, 64, of Mortimer Road, Woolston, have been charged with her murder.

The pair, accused of killing the 32-year-old in February 2002 and disposing of her body at sea, are currently remanded in custody, awaiting trial at Winchester Crown Court in June.