One-Year Anniversary of Madeleine Disappearance

Kate and Gerry were joined by members of the community at the Anglican parish church of St Mary and St John near their home in Rothley, Leicestershire.

Led by the Rev Rob Gladstone, prayers were said for the four-year-old and other missing children.

Kate stood during the 30-minute service and thanked people for their prayers and support over the past year.

She also asked the 250-strong congregation to "keep praying, pray like mad".

Madeleine went missing on May 3 last year from the family's holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.

Policesay they are still gathering evidence following reports that officerswere on the verge of exonerating the McCanns, who are official suspects.

AlipioRibeiro, national director of the PJ, told Portugal's Lusa news agencythat officials had not decided whether to bring charges or drop theinvestigation.

He said: "At this stage nothing has been determined regarding possible charges or closing the case.

"The PJ continues to gather and analyse all available evidence."