Relatives of abducted four-year-old Madeleine McCann are heading the Yorkshire arm of the campaign to help bring her home.

Anne-Marie Wright is the cousin of Madeleine's mother, Kate.

She said today the family wanted to spread the word about the little girl's plight far and wide.

And she made an appeal for anyone who could to display posters in public places - from supermarkets and garages to buses and trains.

Mrs Wright, who lives with her family in Skipton, said: "It would be particularly useful to expand the reach of the publicity to other countries in Europe and North Africa.

"We are asking people to think of contacts they may have who would be able to display posters in areas accessed by the public.

"Prime locations would be banking halls, post offices, ATM locations, large retail outlets such as garages and supermarkets, public transport, trains, buses, taxis etc."

Madeleine was snatched from the family's holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz on the Algarve more than two weeks ago, sparking an international police investigation.

Mrs Wright said the the whole family had been rocked.

She last saw Madeleine in February when she, her mum, dad Gerry, and their two-year-old twins Amelie and Sean, came from their home in Leicestershire to stay in Skipton.

"We had a lovely time with them and the children all get on particularly well," she said.

"Our children, Katie and Patrick, love Madeleine, Sean and Amelie. We went to Aireville Park, went swimming, went to Hesketh Farm Park and walked along the canal towpath to look at the Rosie and Jim barge. Madeleine is a big Rosie and Jim fan."

Mrs Wright said the four-year-old was a lovely little girl and all three children were real daredevils.

The Wright family first heard of Madeleine's disappearance in the early hours of Friday, May 4, when Mrs Wright's mother, Sheila Cowell, called with the news.

Mr Wright's husband, Michael, then drove another relative to join Madeleine's grandparents in Liverpool and then went out to Portugal to help with the search.

He is still in the Algarve and is keeping his wife and children informed of developments in the investigation and how the McCann family are bearing up.

Mrs Wright, who works for the county council's adult learning services, said: "It's all been very emotional and upsetting. Some days, he said, they are really focused and coping and getting things done and other days they are devastated."

She said she had spoken to Kate on the phone this week. "It was just really difficult and the conversation you don't want to ever have with anybody.

"She just seemed very numb and down and she's quite emotional as well. I just asked how she was coping and talked to her about the massive support there is.

"Ever since this happened people have been coming up to me - there's a really strong feeling - and everybody has been saying their thoughts are with them."

Mrs Wright said the whole family had been glued to the television for news.

She said: "It's upsetting to see people who you know and love on the television. You have to pinch yourself. It's just bizarre.

"They are a delightful family and Kate and Gerry are kind, caring devoted parents.

"It makes you wonder why something as horrible as this can happen to such good people.

"Everyone in our family desperately wants Madeleine back with her mum, dad, brother and sister."

Madeleine's parents, who are both doctors, have set up a trust and this will accept donations to fund the search for their daughter.

Details can be found at www.findmadeleine.com or by e-mailing mike.wright@t3-software.com.