The roadside "shrine" to murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne is to be cleared at the end of the weekend, police said today.

Thousands of flowers, toys and cards have been left at the spot on the A29 near Pulborough where eight-year-old Sarah's naked body was found.

Police said today the tributes would be moved on Sunday so the road could return to normal.

Officers have been operating special traffic lights and a makeshift car park so thousands of well-wishers could leave their tributes safely.

Sarah's parents, Michael and Sara Payne, both 31, today thanked the public for their support, saying in a joint statement: "Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the cards, letters and gifts placed next to where Sarah was found, as well as those sent to our home in Kingston Gorse.

"You have helped us through a very difficult time and will continue to do so."

Police said the letters and toys left at the scene would be passed to the family, and the flowers would be moved.

The first bouquets started arriving within hours of Sarah's body being found on July 17, and a steady stream of mourners has been leaving tributes at the scene since.

Chief Inspector Nick Wilkinson said: "The shrine will be closed with effect from late evening on Sunday 30 July. This has been fully discussed with the family, who are in full agreement."

Police investigating Sarah's murder have received more than 36,000 calls since she was abducted from a field near East Preston, West Sussex, on Saturday July 1.

Officers are continuing to search for her blue Fred Perry-style sports dress, black Velcro-fastening shoe and underwear.

They are also anxious to hear from anyone who spotted a white Transit-style van or suspicious activity in the area between the A272, the A29, the A24 and the coast up to a month before Sarah's disappearance.