April Jones' Funeral Finally Takes Place, A Year After Her Murder

Town Pays Tribute To April Jones

Mourners dressed in pink came to pay their respects to April Jones, as the murdered five-year-old's funeral finally took place.

A tiny white coffin was carried through her home town of Machynlleth as tearful residents lined the streets.

The service at St Peter's Church in Machynlleth included prayers, psalms, readings and hymns, but no eulogies.

Paul and Coral Jones, Aprils' parents, follow her coffin

A message from April's family, written on the order of service, said: "Paul, Coral, Jazmin and Harley would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their overwhelming kindness, sympathy and support during this sad, sad time."

The cortege began its journey from April's home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate, from where she was snatched by her murderer Mark Bridger almost a year ago.

The cortege pulled onto the estate on an overcast day, as neighbours and relatives looked on.

The town was decked in pink in April's honour

The rural town was adorned with the five-year-old's favourite colour. Mourners lined the streets dressed in pink and ribbons hung from railings, shop windows and lampposts.

They were adopted as a symbol of hope that April would return home safe, but now serve as a sign of support to her family and a sign that people have not forgotten her.

The funeral service came five days before the first anniversary of April's murder and 10 days after an inquest released her remains to her family.

Tearful mourners stood in silence as the hearse carrying the coffin, which was decorated with the name April in pink flowers, passed by. Many clutched handkerchiefs as they wiped away tears.

The coffin arrived at St Peter's to Emeli Sande's Read All About It played on loudspeakers outside the church.

Mourners filled the church then filled the graveyard outside, forming a sea of pink lining the path.

Among the crowds were members of the mountain rescue team, who helped search for April.

Close

What's Hot