KATE McCANN has told supporters she is still hoping and praying for the return of her daughter Madeleine.

On the fourth anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance on holiday in Portugal, she said her book on the subject would be launched on May 12 - her daughter's eighth birthday.

On her and husband Gerry's findmadeleine website, she added: "We hope and pray that it will bring us the result we long for and that not only the book but this whole ordeal and heartache will be behind us before too much longer."

Kate, 43, who will today mark Madeleine's disappearance privately with Gerry and friends and family, said there was still a lot to be done.

She added: "Our efforts to find her are not diminishing. If anything, they are escalating. The need for a review by the authorities of Madeleine's case remains and our desire to achieve this unwavering."

Proceeds from Kate's book, Madeleine, will boost the dwindling fund to search for her daughter.

The 384-page book, expected to become a bestseller, was originally due to come out last week but the publishers postponed the release date to avoid clashing with the royal wedding.

Kate and Gerry, from Rothley, Leicestershire, are not giving any interviews to mark the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance this year, although they will do some to promote their book.

Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "The anniversary is normally a very low-key occasion at home for them."

Madeleine was nearly four when she vanished from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3, 2007, as her parents dined with friends nearby.

Despite a huge investigation and massive publicity, she has not been found.