A school community came together yesterday to remember Jenna Brookfield (pictured).

Lessons at Abersychan Comprehensive School finished half an hour early so all the pupils could attend a special school service.

As the 850 pupils filed into the school hall there was none of the usual boisterousness associated with children on a Friday afternoon.

The mood was sombre, and the school uniform of black jumpers and trousers worn by many was more than appropriate for the occasion.

The relative silence was unusual given the size of the assembly.

Jenna's mother, Desiree, supported by the teenager's grandmother, Olive, aunts Dawn Thomas and Julie Bustin, and boyfriend Christopher Jones also attended the ceremony.

They had earlier taken time to look at some of Jenna's work and the book of condolence created by her friends in the company of head teacher Peter Scott and other school officials.

During the assembly, pupils listened intently to the words of Mr Scott, many with their heads bowed. Tears flowed as some of Jenna's friends in Year 11 wept, remembering the lively outgoing girl.

Mr Scott said the best way the pupils could remember Jenna was to make the best of the opportunities they would have in their lives.

He said: "Her life must be one that is celebrated. Her future, so sadly curtailed, must act as a spur to all of us to realise what chances we have to see the best in the world around us."

He added: "The tragedy of this loss is that Jenna has been robbed of her future. The potential and the ability that Jenna possessed will never have the chance to develop. "Those of you who were her friends must remember this and realise you have that opportunity. Please don't waste it. You only have it once."

The pupils sang Father God I Wonder, and Jenna's form tutor, Tony Harries, read out a prayer chosen by her friends in 11G in her memory.

The prayer is believed to be the burial prayer of the Makah tribe of native North Americans, and includes the line "Do not stand at my grave and weep".