A businessman has offered £1m for information leading to the safe return of missing British girl Madeleine McCann.

|PIC1|Stephen Winyard, the owner of Stobo Castle in the Borders, has reported to The Times newspaper that he wanted to help her distraught parents.

Three-year-old Madeleine McCann from Leicestershire went missing from her holiday apartment on the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz last week.

Winyard, a 57-year-old father-of-three who lives in Monaco, said he wanted to offer the reward after seeing photographs of Madeleine's distraught parents.

He said: "When I saw their faces, I felt frustrated that no one else had yet come forward offering a substantial reward, and so felt compelled to do so myself."

It is currently unclear whether the country's laws will allow the offer to be formally put to the public. On Saturday a colleague of Madeleine's mother also offered a £100,000 reward for help in finding the toddler.

In Glasgow, Scotland, where Madeleine's father Gerry comes from, Christians are preparing to hold a prayer vigil calling for the safe return of the young girl.

The service will be held on Friday evening at St Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Monsignor Christopher McElroy, the cathedral administrator, said: "People of all faiths and none have watched with mounting anxiety as the search for Madeleine continues.

"The prayer service we are organising will help people to overcome that sense of helplessness which we all naturally experience.

"We will allow people the opportunity to reflect, to pray and to keep alive their hope that Madeleine can be found alive and well.

"The service is open to people of all faiths. Whether they want to come and simply sit quietly or light a candle, or join in the prayers and hymns they will be very welcome."

Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow said: "Although I won't be able to be present at the vigil in person, due to prior engagements, I will be very much united with all who gather in prayer for Madeleine and her parents.

"My own prayers and those of countless others continue for the safe return of the little girl and an end to this horrific ordeal for the family."

Top footballers in Scotland will also appeal for Madeleine's release and safe return this weekend, when Celtic and Aberdeen players will wear yellow ribbons at a match at Celtic Park.

Celtic has also requested police permission for fans to be allowed to hold up Madeleine's picture in the stands.