A worldwide television appeal will be launched at Christmas to help find missing youngster Madeleine McCann.

As parents Kate and Gerry McCann prepare for their second Christmas without their daughter, the video will feature unseen footage of Madeleine and will be broadcast over December.

The appeal is to be fronted by a sporting hero or well-known celebrity, although details have not yet been confirmed.

The Find Madeleine Fund is paying for the video, which will be used on its own website – www.findmadeleine.com – and by broadcasters.

Kate and Gerry have given the video their backing but will not be appearing in the appeal.

Madeleine's great-aunt, Janet Kennedy, of Rothley, said: "The search for Madeleine still goes on – anything which raises awareness is definitely worth pursuing.

"We are still hopeful that we will find her – it could take one sighting or one tiny piece of the puzzle. We will never give up."

Portuguese police finished their inquires into the disappearance in July due to lack of evidence. However, the McCanns are continuing their search vowing "to leave no stone unturned".

Files released by Portuguese police last month did not reveal the information the McCanns had hoped for and the couple admitted "feeling low" on November 3, the 18-month milestone of Madeleine's disappearance.

On the Find Madeleine website, Gerry said: "It was unusual in that both Kate and I were feeling low at the same time, which is an uncommon occurrence, and we can usually rely on one of us lifting the other.

"As I have stated many times, someone has a key bit of information that can unlock this frustratingly difficult and painful situation."

Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007, from the resort of Praia da Luz, in the Algarve region of Portugal, days before her fourth birthday.

People from around the world will pray for Madeleine's safe return today as part of an international day of prayer.

About 20,000 Christians will pray during an event organised by Music Download Revolution, based in Lancashire.

John Wearne, of Music Download Revolution, said: "We still feel that Madeleine is alive and that prayers will help bring her home.

"We would be so thankful if you could share this invitation with your friends, family members, churches, prayer groups and colleagues – anyone who has a heart for missing and abused children and who believes in miracles."