Lanterns tribute for missing April

Poignant tributes have been paid to the memory of missing five-year-old April Jones as Chinese lanterns were released into the night sky.

Well-wishers lit candles and released the symbolic glowing lights after the little girl's parents asked for her to be remembered, one week on from her disappearance.

It is believed Coral Jones, 40, and husband Paul, 44, released their own Chinese lantern from their garden in Machynlleth in a private remembrance, several hours after the five-year-old's alleged killer was remanded by magistrates.

Former lifeguard Mark Bridger appeared in court accused of murdering and abducting the schoolgirl.

Bridger, 46, cried in the dock as he confirmed his name, age and address, and that he understood the charges.

He is also accused of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

His presence at Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court provoked angry scenes, with members of the public punching and kicking the police van which brought him to court.

During the four-minute hearing Bridger, who wore a blue jumper, was remanded in custody to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday.

April was last seen near her home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate in the mid-Wales town of Machynlleth last Monday evening.

Bridger was arrested the following day, but the search for April's body goes on. The five-year-old was last seen getting into what is believed to have been a Land Rover Discovery last Monday evening.