KATE McCann was yesterday hailed as one of Britain's 20 most inspirational women.

The mum, 43, was 'recognised for her campaign to keep missing Maddy's case in the public eye.

Her daughter was three when she vanished on holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Sue James, editorial director of Woman & Home magazine, which compiled the list, said: 'Kate's memoir poignantly charted her daughter's 'disappearance and the continuing search for her.

'She also gave evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry into the treatment of parents of missing children, using her media profile to support cases that haven't had such an impact on the public.'

Judges included The Apprentice's Karren Brady and TV host Lorraine Kelly.

Among their top women were Gurkha champion Joanna Lumley, 65, actress Helena Bonham Carter, 45, comedian Jo Brand, 54, and author, JK Rowling, 46