Madeleine villagers to remove ribbons

They have been left by well-wishers as a symbol of hope for the four-year-old abducted on a family holiday in Portugal 80 days ago.

Her great-uncle Brian Kennedy said the railings around the memorial in Rothley, Leicestershire, would be stripped of ribbons by August 1.

He added: "We are not giving up the search but we think the time has come to move on a bit."

Toys and messages left at the memorial have already been removed. Cuddly toys have been cleaned and sent to children's charities.

Madeleine's father Gerry, writing in his internet diary, said: "We are still very hopeful Madeleine will be safely returned.

"We cannot contemplate giving up the search."