THE village of Abersychan came to a standstill today as it mourned the loss of tragic teenager Jenna Brookfield, pictured.

Jenna, formerly Jenna Baldwin, was finally laid to rest today after weeks of heartache for her family and friends.

She was reported missing from her home in Ffrwd Road, Abersychan, in September, and her mother spent weeks making personal appeals for her elder daughter to come home.

The 15-year-old's body was eventually discovered on November 18 in a shallow grave on the mountainside near Blaenavon.

Her stepfather, Michael Baldwin, 36, of Limekiln Road, Pontnewynydd, has been charged with her murder.

Today the teenager was remembered and her life celebrated at a service at Trinity Methodist Church, Abersychan.

Jenna's mother, Desiree, had asked for the service to be a celebration of Jenna's life, as people remembered the "bubbly" teenager.

Abersychan Comp-rehensive School, where Jenna was a pupil, is closed for the day to Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Head teacher Peter Scott paid tribute to Jenna at the service on behalf of her friends.

He said: "I was asked by the family to write and read a tribute to Jenna as part of the funeral service."

Mr Scott said there was a sombre atmosphere at the school today.

Years 10 and 11 were given time off to attend the funeral. Jenna was a Year 11 pupil.

Jenna's mother invited police officers who helped in finding the teenager to her funeral.

Chief Inspector John Oliver, the man who led the hunt for her, said: "We are showing our respect for Jenna and Jenna's mum, it is something we feel we must do.

"We are part of the community as well, and we want to show our respect."

The funeral service was held at 1pm and was followed by a private burial.

Jenna's mother offered an open invitation to the funeral service for anyone who wanted to help celebrate Jenna's life.