Mystery continues to surround the disappearance of four-year-old Down's Syndrome victim Chaona Woolridge.

A Coroner yesterday returned an open verdict on fate of the St. David's girl, who vanished almost two years ago as her family prepared to leave for church.

The Wor. Cheryl Ann Mapp said the inquiry into her disappearance would contnue after a two day long inquest failed to shed any light into her whereabouts.

Family members had described Chaona Jeanne Woolridge as a fun-loving, inquisitive girl who suffered from mental and physical disabilities due to Down's Syndrome.

Last Thursday, her father Mr. John Woolridge said he last saw Chaona on the morning of April 5, 1992. She was dressed for Sunday School in a pink dress and black shoes and was downstairs in their split-level Cove Valley home, playing with her sister.

Ms Beverly Trott recalled seeing Chaona around 9.45 that morning as she and her brother made their way to St. Luke's Church.

Mr. Woolridge told the court that he noticed Chaona was missing as they prepared to leave for church.

He said he drove to his sister's house nearby because Chaona would often go there alone.

After searching the area and the waterfront, Mr. Woolridge called Police who conducted a search involving the public, a Works and Engineering team and US naval personnel which covered a radius of one mile on land and the shoreline for several days after she disappeared.

Chaona's black shoes were found behind Mrs. Relda Wellman's house on 33 Cove Valley road by P.c. Martin Weeks. One shoe was found at the bottom of some stairs while the other was found on rocks overlooking the water.

This was the same place a tracking dog led searchers after it was it was introduced to Chaona's scent.

Physiotherapist Mrs. Sandra Thompson said Chaona was capable of taking off her shoes and was fascinated by the water and her environment, while her nursery school teacher Mrs. Andalyn Swan explained she was capable of climbing down steps, but could lose control.

Both agreed Chaona was capable of climbing down the steps behind Mrs.

Wellman's home where the shoes were found.

Coroner the Wor. Cheryl Mapp took 30 minutes to decide to declare the inquiry would remain open.

Speaking to Chaona's father and aunt, she said: "I know it must be even more painful not knowing where this young child is, my feelings go out to you and your family. If anything comes up it will be brought before this court.''