Search teams hunting for missing April Jones were spurred on last night by pink ribbons of hope donned by hundreds in the community of Machnylleth in Wales.

As the urgent race against time entered its fourth night, police chiefs spoke of the “humbling” wave of support for their efforts. More than 2,500 calls with information have been received by police in response to their appeal yesterday.

Residents across the small Mid Wales town of Machynlleth donned pink ribbons today in a symbolic gesture of continued hope. The show of solidarity came in response to a plea from April’s mother, Coral Jones, to wear ribbons of pink, her daughter’s favourite colour. As the family’s nightmare continues, residents decorated their cars, homes and clothes with the pink ribbons.

“It is a symbol of the hope that April is going to come back and we are all still optimistic,” said Machynlleth Mayor Gareth Jones.

Superintendent Ian John, of Dyfed Powys Police, wore a pink ribbon in a personal show of solidarity.

He said officers from across England and Wales are helping to field calls and searchers are “determined” to find April.

Speaking outside the town’s leisure centre, which has become a focal point in co-ordinating local search efforts, Mr John said: “I just want to remind everybody that why we’re here tonight, in the pouring rain in Machynlleth, is to focus on the search and do everything that we can to bring this operation toa conclusion.”

The community continues to hold its collective breath while awaiting a breakthrough in the search efforts.

But the overwhelming effect of April’s abduction has left residents on the edge of despair.

Abduction suspect Mark Bridger, 46, of Machynlleth, remains in custody and is still being questioned at Aberystwyth police station.