McCanns Sign Book Deal

Madeleine McCann's parents have signed a book deal to detail efforts to find their missing daughter who vanished on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Kate and Gerry McCann will donate all proceeds to the McCanns' official fund to continue the search for Madeleine.

It is believed the fund is in danger of running out next year.

West London-based publisher Transworld has won the rights to the couple's account on their daughter's disappearance.

Reports say a "substantial" advance and "enhanced royalties" have been agreed which will give the McCann's a larger share of profits to aid their continuing search.

The book, titled Madeleine, will be published on April 28 to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the little girl's disappearance.

Kate McCann, 42, said: "My reason for writing is simple - to give an account of the truth.

"Publishing this book has been a very difficult decision and is one that we have taken after much deliberation and with a very heavy heart.

"However, in the last few months, with the depletion of Madeleine's Fund, it is a decision that has virtually been taken out of our hands.

"Every penny we raise through its sales will be spent on our search for Madeleine.

Nothing is more important to us than finding our little girl."

Gerry McCann, also 42, added: "We are hopeful that this book may help the investigation to find Madeleine in other ways, too.

"Our hope is that it may prompt those who have relevant information - knowingly or not - to come forward and share it with our team. Somebody holds that key piece of the jigsaw."

The McCanns are currently fighting a legal battle against former Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral over his book which alleged that Madeleine's parents faked her abduction.

Last month, the appeal court in Lisbon overturned an injunction obtained by the couple banning publication of Mr Amaral's work, Maddie: The Truth Of The Lie.

(BMcN/GK)