Hundreds respond to Madeleine appeal

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, 347 people phoned in with information relating to the disappearance of four-year-old Madeleine. The leads are being followed up by the family's private detective agency Metodo 3 as Kate and Gerry, both 39, from Rothley, Leicestershire, stay with friends in Yorkshire.

Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' family spokesman, said: "We are pleased with the calls and they are continuing to come in. Every single call is much appreciated and we are going through them with a fine-tooth comb. Any that need to be acted upon swiftly, are being acted upon swiftly."

He added: "We don't go into detail because if there is any significant information, we need to act on it before we talk about it."

It is nearly eight months since Madeleine disappeared from her parents' apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz.

Kate and Gerry McCann broadcast the plea for information on Saturday, which was filmed at their home. The broadcast, which was screened around the world, included previously unseen footage of an excited Madeleine opening her gifts last Christmas.

Writing in his internet diary, Mr McCann said Madeleine "should not be spending Christmas away from her loving family".

He wrote: "The person who took Madeleine has it in their power to end our suffering and will be able to appease their conscience that they have done the right thing - especially at this time of year.

"Kate and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time at this busy time of year to write to us and let us know Madeleine and our family are still in their thoughts and prayers. We still have at least one hundred cards to open! As always, every single one will be opened and read and the support expressed helps renew our determination to find Madeleine."

The number to contact for anyone who sees or has any information on Madeleine is 0034 902 300 213.