McCanns face 'difficult' Christmas

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Gerry and Kate McCann revealed that they had been inundated with media inquiries about their plans for what is set to be a heart-rending time without their missing four-year-old daughter.

In a brief statement issued through their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, they said: "We have had many inquiries as to our plans for the festive period. Christmas 2007 will be an incredibly difficult time for us if Madeleine is not found before then.

"We plan to have a very quiet, private Christmas with family in the UK. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last seven months and ask you to stay with us as the search for our daughter continues.

"If you have any information that might be relevant please contact your local police or our private investigators on +34 912 300 213 if they have any information which might be relevant."

The Leicestershire couple would not comment on where they planned to be at Christmas but it is understood they will spend some of the festive period in their home village of Rothley.

Mr and Mrs McCann, both Catholics, plan to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve at which prayers for Madeleine will be said.

The couple would not comment on whether anything else will be done, including the buying of presents, for their oldest child in her absence.

But it is understood Christmas trimmings, including a tree, will adorn the McCann home so their other children, twins Sean and Amelie, can have as normal a Christmas as possible.

Mr Mitchell added: "I would ask that the media now respect Kate and Gerry's request for a private Christmas."