A LIFELONG friend of Kate McCann revealed yesterday the agony she and husband Gerry are going through to protect their twins from the horror of Maddie's disappearance.

Nicola Gill, who rushed to her pal's side last Sunday, told how they have convinced the two- year-olds Maddie is "just around the corner"-even buying three ice creams at a time to reassure them she is close.

They also ask the twins to blow kisses and wave at every picture of Madeleine they see.

The couple have also bought a doll for each twin and a third for Maddie as a gift for when she returns. Kate has been seen carrying the green rag doll, replacing the Cuddle Cat of Maddie's she had been clutching since her daughter disappeared.

Fitness instructor Nicola, 38, of Liverpool, said: "Green is the colour they use for ribbons over there instead of yellow."

Nicola said she had helped shield Sean and Amelie from all the turmoil surrounding the family. She said: "We've just kept the little ones busy playing with them, singing to them and talking about Madeleine with them."

Nicola said Kate and Gerry have vowed to stay in Portugal until their daughter is found.