McCanns prepare for sixth anniversary of disappearance

But Kate and Gerry McCann said they have found a “new normality” over the past few years as they come to terms with the absence of their oldest child.

Madeleine was nearly four when she disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve on 3 May, 2007, as her parents dined at a tapas restaurant with friends nearby.

Tomorrow will mark the sixth anniversary of her disappearance.

Mr and Mrs McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, yesterday said they continue to search for their daughter and remain as hopeful as ever – if not more so.

Though another year has passed since Madeleine went missing, they are confident  they might be in a better position as the Metropolitan Police continues to review the case.

“In many ways, things haven’t changed and you could argue that, with the Met review two years in, we are actually in a better place because so much more information has been collated and lots of pieces of the jigsaw have been filled,” said Mr McCann, 44.

“It’s just about keeping looking, finding out what’s happened to Madeleine and hopefully finding those responsible.”

He said he was confident in work being carried out by the Met, adding: “This is what we campaigned for and Kate will tell you that the Met are absolutely determined to see the job through. They feel like they are getting their teeth into the job.”

His wife added: “When people come in they are always really enthusiastic to help, and as time goes by, if you don’t yield results, people’s motivation can wane.

“I think the opposite has happened with the Met. They seem to be more determined than ever.”

The couple, who will mark the anniversary with a service in their village, said although they struggle with occasions such as Madeleine’s birthday, they are coping with her absence.

“Probably the last couple of years it’s been a new normality,” said Mr McCann. “We have adapted to our situation.”