McCanns face difficult Christmas

Madeleine McCann's parents have thanked their supporters as they prepare for "an incredibly difficult" Christmas.

Gerry and Kate McCann will be spending their first festive period without their missing four-year-old daughter in the UK.

In a statement read by spokesman Clarence Mitchell, they said the holiday period "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."

It is understood the McCanns will spend some of the festive period in their home village of Rothley, Leicestershire.

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

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

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.