By Carole Aye Maung

THE News of the World THE News of the World has teamed up with the Association of British Travel Agents and the Federation of Tour Operators to lanch a major initiative to keep our children safe on holiday-Code Madeleine.

Our worldwide alert system- named after missing Madeleine McCann, snatched from her family's Portuguese holiday apartment three months ago-will ensure rapid, effective action in the vital first few hours of a suspected abduction.

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The landmark project, which will automatically trigger a security clampdown and searches, has the full backing of the four-year-old's parents, Kate and Gerry, and the biggest names in travel.

Last night Gerry McCann said: "Kate and I fully endorse Code Madeleine.

"We'd like to thank everyone in the British travel industry and the News of the World for taking the initiative in setting up this scheme to help protect families away from home."

Code Madeleine-based on the hugely successful Code Adam that operates in shopping malls and public buildings across America-embraces a simple six-point plan of measures.

As soon as the alarm is raised it will kick-start an immediate co-ordinated hunt by all the parties concerned-holiday companies, hoteliers, police and the child's family.

Had our new code been in place when little Maddie was abducted from the Praia da Luz apartment, while her parents were dining just yards away, the procedures could have foiled the snatch.

The scheme is backed by the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO), whose members take 18 MILLION Brits abroad each year, AND the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). Among the big names who have thrown full support behind us are Teletext, First Choice, BA Holidays, Thomas Cook, My Travel, Thomson Holidays, Virgin Holidays and Cosmos.

Their employees will be trained in a set procedure covering the six-point SOS plan. Look for the Code Madeleine symbol when booking holidays to be sure staff are ready for action.

Andy Cooper, Director General of the FTO, said: "We're pleased to have helped develop Code Madeleine and hope it will bring added reassurance to millions. All of our major members have agreed to support and adopt it."

Child protection charity Child Safe's spokesman said: "We wholeheartedly applaud and support you."

Independent hoteliers and operators who want to sign up to Code Madeleine should email newsdesk@notw.co.uk for details.