Parents release lantern for April

The parents of five-year-old April Jones have released a sky lantern from the garden of their home exactly a week after their daughter was last seen.

Residents in Machynlleth and across Powys  also lit lanterns, candles and released pink balloons to remember the missing girl.

Police checkpoints have been set up on main roads into the town to speak to drivers who were in the area last week.

Local man Mark Bridger, 46, has charged with April's murder and has been remanded in custody.

He has also been charged with child abduction and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

April's parents, Coral and Paul Jones, said they wanted to release a sky lantern from the mid-Wales village at about 19:00 BST to remember their daughter.

Some people at the candle-lighting vigils also released pink balloons.

Dyfed-Powys Police said traffic officers were setting up checkpoints on the A487 north and south at Dyfi Bridge and the A489 Newtown Road.

Officers at the checkpoints will have photographs of Mark Bridger and his land Rover Discovery car.

Earlier, chief volunteer coordinator Mark Lewis said the candle lighting and balloon release was appreciated by the family.