Kate and Gerry McCann mark Madeleine's fifth birthday with low-key family gathering

A low-key party was being held for the benefit of her younger brother and sister, three-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, yet it was "just another day without her" for Gerry and Kate McCann, said their spokesman.

The couple could, however, report that their recent appeal for information has drawn thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls.

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Their new campaign, launched ahead of the first anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, urged anyone who has spoken to the Portuguese or British authorities about her apparent abduction in Praia da Luz to now call them.

The response has thrown up several "promising leads" which are now being probed by their private investigators, said their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.

He said: "Obviously, without Madeleine home yet, this is sadly just another day without her in many respects.

"Gerry and Kate will, of course, mark her fifth birthday, as much for Sean and Amelie's benefit as anything else, but they will do this privately within the family."

Relatives were expected to visit the McCanns' home in Rothley, Leicestershire, today.

Mr McCann, a consultant cardiologist at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital, has a number of clinical appointments but he and his wife were due to be together at home for some part of the day.

"They will not be doing anything in public other than reiterating the need for anybody with information to please come forward and contact our new phone line launched earlier this month - 0845 838 4699," said Mr Mitchell.

"We have had a very, very good and encouraging response so far. The emails have run into thousands and there have been hundreds of calls."

After more than a year of potential leads and reported sightings of their daughter, the McCanns take news of fresh information in their stride.

But Mr Mitchell said Metodo 3, the private investigation firm working on their behalf, was following up several promising leads, submitted after the campaign launch, "with some degree of urgency". He would not go into detail about those leads.

The McCanns want anyone with information about Madeleine to call them on 0845 838 4699 or email investigation@findmadeleine.com or anonymous@findmadeleine.com.