The parents of missing Madeleine McCann went to church to say prayers six months after the little girl disappeared.
Kate and Gerry McCann, both 39, arrived at the St Mary and St John Church near their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, to join friends and villagers in a vigil for Madeleine. They arrived at the 14th Century church in a Volkswagen Passat driven by Mr McCann and held hands as they walked into the entrance.
Special prayers were said for Madeleine and other missing children between 9.30pm and 9.45pm - six months to the minute since her apparent abduction.
Earlier Mrs McCann said: "Six months is such a long time for a little girl to be separated from her family. We believe that our Madeleine is out there somewhere and retain hope that we can be reunited.
"Madeleine is a beautiful little person who deserves a loving and happy life. To ensure this, there is no doubt that the best place for her to to be is with her family. We know somebody somewhere can make this happen."
She added: "That person has the ability and power to bring about so much joy as well as bring peace to themselves. If you have any information relating to Madeleine's disappearance or whereabouts please pass it on."
The milestone came after the Spanish private detective hired by the McCanns to find their daughter vowed that he would do so within five months.
Francisco Marco said he thought she was alive in Morocco and is already following up reported sightings of a blonde-haired girl with her distinctive right eye.
The detective's Spanish-based agency, Metodo 3, was given the job of finding Madeleine in September.
He said: "We have a six-month agreement with the McCanns. We have already spent a month and a half working. I will find her before that period is up."
