Nicola Bulley's family say it "wasn't an easy decision" to be part of new documentary

The family of Lancashire mum Nicola Bulley say it "wasn't an easy decision" to be part of a new documentary about her disappearance.

The programme, airing on the BBC next month, will explores the media coverage and the impact of "amateur internet sleuths" - who carried out their own investigations.

Her sister, Louise Cunningham, along with her parents Ernest and Dorothy Bulley and partner Paul Ansell all participated in the documentary as they reveal the impact the public scrutiny had on them.

In a statement, the family added: "Nikki's face and name quickly became very recognisable, but there is so much to share about Nikki the person.

"Our sole aim is to provide the definitive record on Nikki to ensure she has the legacy that she deserves. Many people have aired their views about her disappearance and her untimely and tragic death, only we can speak about her as a mummy, partner, daughter, and sister."

The family also said: "It was emotionally draining reliving some of our experiences, but we wanted to do this for Nikki."

Director Rachel Lob-levyt, who worked on Louis Theroux Interviews and Hospital, told the Radio Times that the "family tell their story in their own words, unfiltered".

She added: "We had a viewing with the family. It was difficult - obviously emotional for them. They feel the documentary really honours their experience, and honours Nikki.

"At the time she went missing, Paul was subject to a really difficult level of scrutiny.

"The idea of putting himself back in the public eye is nerve-racking but ultimately, he thought it the right thing to do.

"The social media sleuths felt entitled to say whatever they wanted. In the past we'd have talked about these things in the pub, whereas now people broadcast it online and everything is accelerated. Opinion takes on similar weight to verified information."

A coroner recorded Ms Bulley's death as accidental, and said she fell into the river and suffered "cold water shock", and there was "no evidence" to suggest suicide.