THE SEARCH FOR MADELEINE DAY 18:PARENTS TELL OF DAILY ROUTINE IN DIARY OF BRAVERY

WITH smiles hiding the relentless agony, the parents of Madeleine McCann last night showed the world how they continue to live in hope.

Gerry and Kate were pictured entertaining their twins Sean and Amelie with Thomas the Tank Engine models and books sent from home to Portugal, as they focus blindly on having four-year-old Madeleine back where she belongs.

In an emotional glimpse into their desperate world, they penned a diary of their average day - showing how a structured routine is now helping them through...

6.30am Our day starts around 6.30am with us all waking up around the same time. We have breakfast with Sean and Amelie and our close family/friends who are here with us. Then it's clean nappies and clothes for Sean and Amelie followed by showers etc for the rest of us. Usually there's some free time then for a few stories or games with the twins before heading out.

9-9.15am We take Sean and Amelie to Kids' Club. They really enjoy it and run in. They know the staff well and the staff are all excellent. Both love the domestic corner and Amelie particularly likes to look after "babies". We use Kids' Club a bit like nursery at home but we think Sean and Amelie still think they are on holiday!

9.30-12.15pm We return to the apartments, usually for a series of meetings with our press officer, Mark Warner reps, occasionally Consulate staff, lawyers and British liaison officers. During this time we catch up with family and close friends, usually by telephone and discuss ideas how to keep Madeleine's profile high especially throughout Continental Europe.

12.30pm Time to pick up Sean and Amelie from Kids' Club then head back to apartment for lunch, which has usually been prepared by one of our family/friends group who have been tremendously supportive.

1.30-2.30pm This is time to spend time playing with the twins either in the apartment or in the play area next to Kids' Club.

2.30-3pm Usually we take the twins back to Kids' Club although Sean has had the odd afternoon in the apartment as it's a bit cooler and he's not much of a sunworshipper! They have been taking part in many different activities including painting, singing, stories, swimming, trips to the beach and they have lots of toys to play with.

3-5pm We try to get some time together alone, going for a walk to talk things over or getting some exercise. This is often the time for quiet trips to the church for prayers.

5-5.30pm Meet kids for high tea with other mums and dads. They love pasta and have been doing really well with their vegetables although a few chips have been squeezed in.

5.30-6.30pm Games with kids at play area. Amelie loves trying to get in the baby pool!

6.30-7.30pm Bath and storytime with the twins.

8pm We put the kids to bed.

8.30-11pm We try to sit down for a family meal, again usually cooked by one of the small family group out here with us. Chat about the day's events and plan the next day.

11.30pm Bed and prayer for Madeleine that she will be returned to us safely ASAP.

IN addition to the above we try to attend various church services during the week, and make multiple phone calls to family and friends.

We try to watch the main news early morning and late evening but have had almost no time to read the newspapers or even look at the pictures!

Kate is a keen runner and in the last few days has tried to include a run in the daily routine. Yesterday at 7am we ran to the monument at the top of the steep cliff overlooking Praia de Luz. We reached it in 19 minutes.