The Northern Echo's Deborah Johnson - who is holidaying in Portugal - describes the major impact Madeleine McCann's abduction has had on the Algarve

Until recently, the Algarve was regarded as a popular, yet unremarkable tourist destination. A haven for sun-seekers and party animals alike, it was just another destination in the holiday brochures.

Then, just over two weeks ago, little Madeleine McCann was abducted.

Her disappearance has seen journalists and TV crews from all over the world descending on Praia da Luz - there are thought to be in the region of 200 there.

But the repercussions are being felt throughout the Algarve, an area which boasts of its low crime rate, and is quite obviously stunned by the events of the past days. In the nearby resort of Albufeira, one of the first things you notice on arriving is the plethora of posters with Madeleine's face staring out.

"Find Madeleine" they plead in Portuguese advertising rewards that now total almost £2m. Every lamppost seems to be adorned with them; they hang from tourist balconies; they are displayed in shop windows.

In the heart of Albufeira, there really is only one topic of conversation.

"Are you English?" asked one shop assistant, obviously noticing my sunburned fair complexion.

On replying "Yes", she said with a genuine pained expression: "We are so upset about Madeleine - what has happened to her, I can't think of the words".

It became obvious how alien crime really is in the Algarve. In England, it is hardly uncommon for the streets at the weekend to be swarming with police dealing with drunken revellers.

Here, on what was an uncomfortably busy night, the only police presence was two officers strolling around the streets. But even during a night out, Madeleine was not far from anyone's mind.

Sky News plays constantly and last Sunday, when news broke that a suspect's house was being searched, an eerie silence descended over the bustling bar, as both locals and tourists clamoured to hear the latest developments.

The case is also uppermost in the minds of the many parents who travelled to the Algarve with their families.

Around swimming pools, at the beach, in the shops no children are to be seen out of sight of their parents. In fact, I don't remember seeing a child outside the grip of their parents hand.

Clearly the effect on the Algarve has been massive. It has been said the tone of many Portuguese news reports has been critical of Madeleine's parents for leaving their daughter without a babysitter, but that has now seemingly changed.

Everyone - the press, residents and tourists - are united in only one desire. For Madeleine's safe return.