THE case of a prostitute strangled 40 years ago will be reopened for a TV investigation.

The body of Patricia Simpson, then aged 20, was discovered in 1963 at the bottom of a mineshaft in Cardiff with a scarf noosed round her neck.

The case has been looked at for a new ITV programme with interviews from friends and family of Miss Simpson.

Detectives who investigated her murder have also been involved in the show.

The Warrington woman had been working as a prostitute in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, which was one of Britain's most notorious red-light districts.

Dubbed the Silver Queen for her blonde hair, others knew her as The Rainbow Queen.

Eileen Jones, aged 59, a school friend of Miss Simpson, said: "We were close and used to go to Victoria Park together and get in trouble. Pat was bubbly and always up for devilment.

"She was a nice girl and a good mate.

"I broke my heart crying when I found out about her."

Her killer had never been caught until a 73-year-old man confessed to the murder three years ago. He was already imprisoned in the Middle East for killing a business associate.

Patricia's death was reported in the Warrington Guardian 40 years ago. Patricia Simpson's birth mother was Lillian Fleming, of Deans Crescent. But Mrs Fleming's sister, Ivy Simpson, adopted her when she was three. Ivy Simpson is believed to be still living in the Latchford area, although Patricia's father, James Simpson, has died. It is understood that Miss Simpson's brother, Rodger, still lives in the town.

The show will be aired on ITV Wales later this year.