The parents of Madeleine McCann have been assured they will receive a sympathetic and warm welcome when they return home.
Residents in Rothley, Leicestershire, are expecting Gerry and Kate to return from Portugal with their two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie in the near future.
The family have not decided when to come back to Britain but the lease on their rented villa in Praia da Luz runs out on September 11.
Villagers have placed a burning candle at the foot of Rothley's war memorial to show that hope for four-year-old Madeleine's safe return has not extinguished.
And prayers have been said in the village's four churches.
Brian Kennedy, Kate's uncle, said: "People will help them settle back to their quiet family life and help them get back into a routine. They are lucky to live in a place like this where everyone is so supportive."
He added: "They're coming back for the children. They're still being sniped at in the Portuguese press but that's not what's bringing them back. It's the children.
"They'll want to lead as normal a life as possible. They haven't said anything to me about going back to work but I think Gerry will."
Reverend Rob Gladstone, of St Mary and St John's Church, said: "Whatever the McCanns want when they return, we will make available. They may want to lie low with their family and we will be sensitive to their wishes."
Prayers are also being said at the Bishop Ellis Catholic Primary School in Thurmaston where Madeleine was due to start last week.
Headteacher Gail Neill said: "A place has been prepared here for Madeleine, in exactly the same way as it has been for the other new children.
"It will remain ready and waiting as we continue to pray, along with her parents, in the hope of her safe return to her family.
"We keep a candle burning for Madeleine in our school. It symbolises our hope and prayers and her spirit; it will continue to burn until she is returned."
There are other symbols of hope dotted around the village: yellow ribbons tied around trees, in shop windows, on car aerials.
Hairdresser Nimesh Valand said: "People are just saying prayers and hoping that the little girl will come home soon. Everyone here is upset by what has happened. People all feel the same way."
One woman, who did not want to be named but has a daughter the same age as Madeleine, said: "I keep thinking about how difficult it will be for them to leave and come back home.
"To come back without her. I feel so upset just thinking about it."
Janice Barbrook said: "There is a lot of a sympathy for them but I would hope that's the same feeling all over."
Robin Dent, Rothley Parish Council clerk, said: "I think people here will feel daunted by it. They'll want the family to be left and given space to settle back here.
"The local priest and all the churches will be there to offer help if they need it. The family have a lot of friends here who will be involved in their return but most people will wait to take their lead from them - if they want to be left alone - there is a lot of sympathy."
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