REWARD FOR MADELEINE INFO TOP £2.5M

SKYNEWS Updated: 16:22, Saturday May 12, 2007

A reward of £1.5m for the safe return of Madeleine McCann has been announced by the News Of The World newspaper - bringing the total to £2.5m.

The cash is the biggest ever newspaper reward Businessmen Sir Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green are among those offering the cash.

The reward is for information directly resulting in the safe return of the four-year-old who was abducted in Portugal nine days ago.

Showbusiness personalities and leading business figures, including BHS boss Sir Philip Green, Bill Kenwright and Sir Richard Branson, have joined together in an unprecedented show of support for the family.

Madeleine's father, Gerry McCann said: "Anything that can be done to publicise that Madeleine is missing and help with the search is very welcome."

Portuguese police have also endorsed the reward offer.

It comes after British businessman Stephen Winyard offered a £1m reward earlier this week.

The co-operation of the backers means this is biggest reward ever offered in a newspaper.

Pledges are still pouring into the reward fund - which will be paid out for the crucial piece of information that leads police to Madeleine.

Sir Philip Green, who matched the News of the World's £250,000 contribution, said: "My wife Tina and I have children, and anything we can do to help to bring this beautiful little girl back we will of course do without hesitation.

"We are praying for Madeleine's safe return and can't imagine what Kate and Gerry are going through at the moment.

Madeleine was snatched from her parents' Portuguese holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz on Thursday May 3.

The offer is subject to standard News of the World reward offer conditions.

Anyone with information should contact:

Portuguese Police: 00 351 282 405 400

Portuguese Crimestoppers: 00 44 1883 731 336

WE ARE ALL THINKING OF MADELEINE AND WISHING FOR HER SAFE RETURN TODAY ON HER BIRTHDAY