Funeral for April Jones

April Jones' disappearance and death struck at the very heart of Machynlleth.

Hundreds turned out to search for her when she first went missing, and many more have supported her family throughout their long ordeal.

The community is forever changed by the events of the last twelve months.

The funeral of five-year-old April Jones has taken place in her home town of Machynlleth.

Hundreds of mourners, all wearing pink, have been paying their respects.

The family of April Jones said a final farewell as the town that shared their grief came to a standstill.

The tiny white coffin carrying her remains was borne through the streets of Machynlleth in a horse-drawn hearse as the community stood in silence or followed behind, all wearing pink in tribute to the schoolgirl.

Paul Davies reports:

The Order of Service pictured a carefree and smiling April Jones on the beach wearing a bright orange top and shorts.

Her devastated mother sobbed audibly in grief as she walked slowly into the funeral service for her murdered daughter.

After the service, the funeral party left the church for a private burial.

Pink floral tributes were placed at the entrance of St Peter's Church by well-wishers, carrying heartfelt messages of sympathy for April Jones and her family.

One stated simply: "Fly high little angel, forever in our hearts, lots of love, Lorna, Boyd, Connie, Ella and Ewan."

Another pink bouquet carried the message: "In loving memory of April. From Nan and Grandad."

The town of Machynlleth will come to standstill today as people pay their last respects to April Jones.

April disappeared when playing outside her home on the Bryn-y-gog estate in Machynlleth on 1st October last year.

She was never seen again and despite one of the biggest police searches ever mounted her body has never been recovered.

Mark Bridger was found guilty of her abduction and murder earlier this year. The 47-year-old paedophile is currently serving a whole life sentence.

A horse-drawn hearse will carry her coffin through the town before a service is held at St. Peter's Church. Local people, many of whom took part in the search to find her, are expected to line the main street.

April's parents, Paul and Coral Jones, have asked people to wear pink - her favourite colour - as a way of remembering her.

Donations made at the funeral of April Jones will be used to sponsor a girl in Africa.

The Rev Kathleen Rogers, who is officiating the ceremony, said donations made at the service will be be used to sponsor a child in Uganda, through the charity World Vision.

Tomorrow the town of Machynlleth will come to a halt for the funeral of April Jones. The five year old was murdered after being abducted as she played near her home almost a year ago.

Many believe the events of last October have changed the town forever, as Kevin Ashford reports.