STEPPING through the Daniel Morcombe story:

December 7, 2003: Daniel disappears while waiting for a bus under the Kiel Mountain Overpass on Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye. He was on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family.

December 2003: Police place a mannequin at the spot where Daniel was last seen, sparking a massive reaction from potential witnesses. Police reveal details of a vehicle that might be linked to the disappearance. SES join search of bushland. Police reveal their grave fears for Daniel.

March 18, 2004: Daniel's parents meet with then-premier Peter Beattie, who declares a second Red Ribbon Day for a state-wide campaign aimed at protecting children.

April 2004: Bruce and Denise Morcombe launch an advertising campaign appealing for information.

May 25, 2004: Police put an extra 20 detectives on the case after receiving new leads.

June, 2004: A man faces Brisbane court for sending a hoax email to extort money from the Morcombes.

November 2004: Police release three sketches of a man seen standing near Daniel on Nambour Connection Rd, generated from multiple witness accounts. Police seize a van in Brisbane.

February 2005: Bruce and Denise announce the launch of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

December 2008: A $1 million reward offered for information that leads to an arrest.

May 2009: A clay model, created by combining elements of suspect sketches, is commissioned to help campaign for information from the public.

October 2010: A coronial inquest begins into Daniel's suspected abduction and murder.

December 19, 2010: Daniel's 21st birthday marks a poignant time in the middle of the coronial inquest.

August 13, 2011: Police arrest and charge a man with Daniel's murder.