THIS is the last, lonely resting place of Baby Newbridge - the little boy found dead in a Gwent canal five months ago.

A few floral tributes lie on the grave at Abercarn cemetery, one in the shape of a rabbit in memory of the unidentified baby who did not live long enough to know anyone's love.

His mother has never come forward.

But yesterday, the people of Newbridge - the town where his body was found and after which he was named by council officials - wept for him at his funeral at St Paul's Church.

For a brief moment, they became his only family.

The man who found his body in a holdall in the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, Robert Chiles, carried a candle in his memory.

Mr Chiles, 53, has been haunted by nightmares since making the grisly discovery.

He said: "This has been a very difficult and sad chapter in my life.

"I thought the service was wonderful and I want to thank all the people who turned up.

"I hope the child's mother is well but I don't think she will ever come forward."

In a moving funeral service organised by Caerphilly council, Reverend Margaret Jefford said: "Baby Newbridge's life did not come to full bloom but his life is now in full bloom in God's garden.

"His being is part of creation and his being has touched the hearts of so many in the community and so much further afield as well."

* In the picture: Flowers on the grave of Baby Newbridge.