Madeleine McCann's sister, now 18, makes poignant statement on 16th anniversary of her disappearance

Madeleine McCann's sister marked the poignant 16th anniversary of her disappearance at a vigil with her parents.

Amelie, now 18, lit a candle for her sister at the gathering in their home village of Rothley in Leicestershire, the Mirror reports. She later said: "It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion."

The blonde teenager, who is applying to go to university, was casually dressed in navy leggings, trainers and a cream puffa jacket. She was warmly welcomed along with her parents Kate and Gerry by locals and supporters during the informal prayer gathering.

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Her twin brother Sean did not attend. Amelie took her turn to light a candle for Maddie and other missing children at the war memorial where pictures of her sister adorned the black railing and where a lantern of hope still glows around the clock for her.

Kate, wearing black jeans and a blue jacket, joined in prayers but neither she nor Gerry addressed the crowds. Kate’s close friend Fiona Payne, one of her 'Tapas Seven' pals who was on the fateful holiday in Portugal when three-year-old Maddie vanished in May 2007, was among the crowd.

Fiona, a doctor, read a moving poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers' by Emily Dickinson. She later shared a warm embrace with Kate.

Vicar of the local parish church, the rev. Rob Gladstone, leading prayers at the informal outdoor, told supporters: “We are here this evening to show our loving concern for Madeleine and for all young children who have been taken away from their families against their will. We are also here to encourage one another to keep up hope and pray for a renewal of strength even after this long time.”

Amelie, accompanied