The different faiths dedicated their walk to Ken Bigley

A message from his son Craig was read out on the steps of Liverpool's Anglican cathedral following a multi-faith walk dedicated to the captive.

The message was read by Dr Shiv Pande, one of the founders of the annual multi-faith event.

Craig Bigley said messages of support from people on Merseyside and across the world had given them comfort.

"On behalf of my dad's family in Liverpool, I would like to thank the people of Merseyside for their continued support and prayers at this difficult time," he said.

There is hardly a corner of the world not touched by Ken's family's appeals Dr Shiv Pande, Merseyside Council of Faith

"We hope you understand that we cannot be with you."

Kenneth Bigley's 86-year-old mother Elizabeth is understood to be still in hospital as a result of the stress caused by her son's captivity.

Dr Pande, who is the vice chairman of Merseyside Council of Faith, said: "There is hardly a corner of the world not touched by Ken's family's appeals.

"Ken is an innocent man doing his job. He might not have agreed with the policy in Iraq but he just needed to earn bread for his family. That was what he was doing.

"I'm sure it is a tormenting time for them and for all those getting killed in Baghdad. Our prayers are for everyone suffering in Iraq."

Representatives of seven major religions toured temples, mosques and synagogues before walking along Hope Street between the city's two Cathedrals in a symbolic act of solidarity.

Any pressure we can put on to be of assistance to the British Government, we will use Dermot Ahern, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs

The first multi-faith walk took place last year and this year's event is part of the build-up to Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Dr Pande said this year's walk had to be dedicated to Mr Bigley.

Meanwhile, frantic diplomatic efforts are still being carried out to try and secure Mr Bigley's release.

Irish intervention

The Irish government has stepped up its efforts to free Ken Bigley, whose mother is Irish, by talking to diplomats from Iran and Jordan.

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said "there are many people in Ireland who are worried about this situation".

"I have made contact with Iranian diplomats in Ireland and with the Jordanian government," Mr Ahern said.

"Any pressure we can put on to be of assistance to the British Government, we will use."

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and the Irish Labour party's Michael D Higgins have all had pleas broadcast on Arab television station Al-Jazeera.

Negotiator's hope

SDLP MP and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume also made a direct appeal for his release after being approached by the Bigley family.

Meanwhile, a Muslim negotiator involved in trying to free Mr Bigley has expressed guarded optimism he will be freed, the Independent on Sunday reported.

Daud Abdullah, who visited Baghdad last week, said he believes the 62-year-old Briton is still alive and will be released.