Bouchra Benaissa's unusual

colouring is typical of the Berber

people who dwell in the area

where her family have lived for

generations.

They are unusual among

African people for having a

strong blonde gene.

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About 19million Berbers live in Morocco, where they

make up almost a third of the

population.

Many of their ancient ancestors

were Europeans - some of whom

were brought to North Africa as

slaves.

They also have lighter skin

than many other Moroccans.

The predominance of blondes in

this African desert region might

explain why so many tourists

claim to have seen Madeleine.

Abdul Jamoussi, a spokesman at

the Moroccan embassy in

London, said: "The people of

northern Morocco are often

blonde-haired.

"Because it is so close to Europe, it is a melting pot

of cultures."

Footballer Zinedine Zidane is a Berber, and while he is not quite blonde he could easily be mistaken for a European.

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