TO the chords of Robbie Williams' Angels, a young angel who touched the hearts of people across Gwent was laid to rest yesterday.

Ten-year-old Emma George lost her year-long battle against cancer on Saturday.

The popular Pontypool schoolgirl died peacefully at her home in Severn View, Garndiffaith, surrounded by her parents Glyn, 41, Kim, 40, and twin brother Tom, 10.

The small St John's Church in Garndiffaith was packed with more than 150 mourners including family, friends and Emma's classmates. The service was led by the Reverend Jim Florence, who said: "In her short life Emma touched the hearts of so many."

He said: "She was an extremely courageous girl. She was determined to fight the cancer, never complaining and coping in a way that we can all learn from."

He said Emma loved being the centre of attention. She loved make-up and owned 30 handbags. He said she used to twist her dad round her little finger.

The family had a "gaping hole" in their future, and he said Emma's twin brother had been through an "emotional rollercoaster".

He talked about Emma making headlines when she told staff at Llandough Hospital her ideal holiday destination was Weston Super Mare. Later the town's mayor, Roger Perks, visited Emma in Pontypool.

The family praised staff at Llandough Hospital for their support throughout Emma's illness.

The staff arranged for actors from The Bill, Emma's favourite TV show, to visit her in hospital and sent her to see her favourite band, Atomic Kitten.

A floral tribute from the staff at Llandough read: "Emma, a delightful little girl who kept us all on our toes, who will always be remembered and sadly missed."

Closing the service, the Rev Florence praised the people of Garndiffaith.

"Emma's illness has brought out the best in the community and shown what a community should be. That is a legacy she leaves behind and a legacy her parents should be proud of."

Emma's coffin was carried out of church to another of her favourite songs, Westlife's Flying Without Wings.

It was adorned with a wreath of white flowers reading 'Emma' and flowers in the shape of a teddy bear from her brother. She was later buried at Panteg cemetery.