Primary school pupils in the North will today launch their own messages of hope for abducted toddler Madeleine McCann today.
Children in four primary schools in Holywood, Co Down, will release 1,000 yellow balloons at lunchtime with messages attached in a show of solidarity with the missing four-year-old's family.
Pupils from St Patrick's Primary School, Holywood Primary School, Sullivan Prep School and Redburn Primary School have been writing their messages of support for Madeleine, who was snatched from her bed four weeks ago while on holiday in Portugal.
Shauna Watts, who has organised the balloon event, said the disappearance on May 3rd of Madeleine in Praia da Luz had struck a chord with both parents and children.
Madeleine's father and mother, Gerry and Kate, have been running a high-profile campaign to secure her return.
The couple met the Pope in Rome on Wednesday, who blessed a photograph of the youngster.
The couple are also due to visit the Netherlands, Morocco and Germany to raise awareness of their daughter's disappearance.
A special website has been set up and an inflatable poster was launched in Praia da Luz.