The court heard that the McCanns, both 40, from Rothley, Leicestershire, were on holiday with their twins, Sean and Amelie.

Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said outside court the couple would very much welcome the 80 pieces of information which the police had agreed to release.

“These are 80 potential new leads. We have information we can work on,” he said.

The couple were also looking forward to much greater disclosure of information once their status as “arguidos” or formal suspects was, as expected, lifted by the Portuguese authorities.

Mr Mitchell said: “They will be strengthened and touched by what Mrs Justice Hogg said.

“It was immensely kind. In the context of the courtroom, it was a statement she did not have to make. It was extremely supportive and very generous and kind.

“I know Kate and Gerry will be incredibly touched.”

Madeleine vanished from the family’s holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year shortly before her fourth birthday. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with her abduction.

The couple’s counsel, Tim Scott QC, told the judge today there was no proof that Madeleine was alive, “but there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not”.

He said the McCanns acknowledged the enormous effort devoted to the search by Leicestershire Police and other law enforcement agencies.