Stephen Lawrence's family have endured nearly two decades waiting to see if anyone would ever be punished for his death.

His parents Doreen and Neville have suffered heartbreaking disappointment in their battle to bring the killers to justice, including an ill-fated private prosecution that they attempted in 1996.

Throughout the trial of Gary Dobson and David Norris they, along with surviving son Stuart, have maintained a quiet and dignified composure despite sitting feet from two men accused of the racist murder of Stephen.

They sat at the back of Court 16 in the Old Bailey paying keen attention to proceedings, and when Dobson and Norris were called to give evidence, Neville Lawrence simply moved to another seat to avoid being in touching distance of them.

Mr and Mrs Lawrence, who split up in 1999, have repeatedly been praised for their unstinting campaign to get justice for their son.

Shortly before the verdict in Dobson and Norris' trial, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Cressida Dick acknowledged their "extraordinary" efforts.

She said: "I pay tribute to Mr and Mrs Lawrence, they've been extraordinary in their tireless campaigning and the immense effort and dignity that they have shown.

"It is as a result of their efforts that the way in which we investigate murder has changed so very much.

"I pay total tribute to Mr and Mrs Lawrence for never giving up and demanding justice for Stephen."

They were acknowledged as the "mainspring" of a public inquiry into the original investigation into their son's death.

The resulting Macpherson report said: "Their persistence and courage in the face of tragedy and bitter disillusionment and disappointment have been outstanding."

The Lawrences, who separately emigrated to England from Jamaica in the 1960s, married in 1972 and had three children - Stephen, Stuart and Georgina.

They were thrust into the limelight after Stephen was killed, being visited by Nelson Mandela days after their son died. Many race campaign groups also latched on to the family.

They themselves became champions of racial equality in the UK, and in 2002 both received OBEs for services to the community.

Doreen Lawrence is director of The Stephen Lawrence Trust, set up in her son's memory, which aims to help disadvantaged young people and create positive relationships in the community.

Just before the trial, the Trust launched the 18:18 campaign to mark 18 years since Stephen's death. It aims to get young people into industries such as law and finance.