A FORMER parliamentary candidate from Dorset is playing a major role in the hunt for little Madeleine McCann.

Justine McGuinness, who grew up in Bradford Peverell and now lives in Herrison near Dorchester, is manager of the Find Madeleine campaign.

The former Lib Dem candidate for West Dorset finished second behind Conservative MP Oliver Letwin in the 2005 general election.

She was chosen for the position by Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry because of her background in politics and lobbying.

Miss McGuinness, 37, speaking from Portugal, explained she was unable to comment on her work while she holds the role.

"Once it is all over I am more than happy to speak to the Echo," she said.

Miss McGuinness, who has her own PR company, has worked in strategic communications for 11 years.

She was director at a European specialist consultancy focusing on environment, agriculture, health and consumer affairs and spent six years advising the Environment Agency.

Her paid role involves working to keep the Find Madeleine campaign in the public eye - and raising awareness over missing children on a wider scale.

Miss McGuiness's father Mike, of Church Close, Bradford Peverell, said his daughter's position is keeping her exceptionally busy.

"It's a very busy time for her," he said. "Her phone literally doesn't stop ringing and she's been dashing about a fair bit.

"She stayed with us the other evening but then she was off back to Portugal again at 4am the next day.

"She's also been over to the USA for a meeting for the campaign, and last week she went to Bath to meet with some sporting personalities."

So far the Find Madeleine campaign has launched a new website called Don't You Forget About Me, where parents can post videos and information about missing children.

Miss McGuinness has spent much of her time in Portugal with Kate and Gerry recently, working to publicise the search for four-year-old Madeleine.

Mr McGuinness said he was 'very proud' of his daughter's work - but said it was proving tough for her.

He added: "It's a massive post for her to hold but we feel after all this time sadly there might not be a very happy result.

"We really sympathise with Madeleine's parents. But unfortunately lots of local people over there are getting fed up with it.

"That's making Justine's job very difficult at times. It's been going on a long time now."

Madeleine was snatched from an apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz, on the Algarve, on May 3.

Since her disappearance celebrities including David Beckham and the England rugby team have thrown their support behind the search to find her.

The Find Madeleine campaign has its own website here.