HUNDREDS of people paid tribute to tragic Nikitta Grender at a balloon release in Newport.

Family and friends released pink and white balloons, in memory of Nikitta and her unborn baby, at an emotional ceremony near the Riverfront Theatre on Saturday.

Nikitta, 19, was found dead at her home in Broadmead Park on February 5, just two weeks before she had been due to give birth.

Newport man Carl Whant, 26, has been charged with her murder.

Read more on this story in Monday's Argus.