BEAMING for the first time in 39 days, Kate McCann was embraced by hordes of Moroccan children yesterday as she took the search for her kidnapped daughter to north Africa.

More than 100 children gathered around her and her husband, Gerry, holding posters of Madeleine high above their heads.

They danced and chanted the four-year-old's name for almost an hour as the couple met representatives of a child welfare organisation.

The young crowd was flanked by two large posters, one of which read: "Stop! Return Madeleine to her family. Please, please, please." The other said: "No, no, no to innocence exploitation."

The McCanns looked genuinely moved by the show of support, and shook as many small hands as possible.

Mrs McCann described the scene as the "best welcome we could have had to Morocco".

She added: "If Moroccan children are anything to go by, we have a very good chance of getting Madeleine back. It is very emotional, very lovely."

Mr McCann said he was overwhelmed by the children's display. "It is totally unexpected and it gives us tremendous heart," he added.