Madeleine's school seat left empty

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The four-year-old, who disappeared on holiday in Portugal 119 days ago, was due to start at Bishop Ellis Catholic Primary School in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, on Thursday morning.

But instead the place in the "Four Plus" reception class set aside for her in hope of her return remained empty.

As well as saying a special prayer for Madeleine, the school is also keeping a candle burning until she comes home.

Headteacher Gail Neill said: "We are deeply saddened that we cannot yet welcome Madeleine McCann, who was due to start in our Four Plus class.

"A place has been prepared here for Madeleine, in exactly the same way as it has been for the other new children.

"It will remain ready and waiting as we continue to pray, along with her parents, in the hope of her safe return to her family.

"We keep a candle burning for Madeleine in our school. It symbolises our hope and prayers and her spirit. It will continue to burn until she is returned."

Madeleine was snatched from her bed in her family's rented holiday apartment in the village of Praia Da Luz on May 3.

Her parents Gerry and Kate, from Rothley, Leicestershire, have stayed on in the Algarve resort ever since, desperate for news of her whereabouts.