Machynlleth gets award for spirit after the loss of schoolgirl April Jones

First Minister Carwyn Jones praised the inspirational community spirit shown by the people of the Mid Wales town as he awarded them the First Minister's Special Award in a ceremony last night.

April's parents Paul and Coral Jones helped present the award to the community that helped them through the bleakest of times.

The five-year-old schoolgirl was taken while playing with her friend on their bikes on October 1, 2012. Thousands of people joined the search, which became the biggest missing person hunt in UK policing history. Many volunteer searchers stayed in Machynlleth for weeks following April's abduction.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr Jones said: "My special award is designed to recognise those people who do extraordinary things, perhaps in extraordinary circumstances.

"The community spirit we witnessed in Machynlleth during the horrifying events of October 2012 remains an inspiration. The whole community showed resilience, a quite exceptional unity of purpose and the very best of support."

He added: I know that Paul and Coral found much comfort from the support offered by the neighbours and it felt right for them to join me in presenting this award to a truly inspirational community."

The award was received by members of the community, including Gwenfair Glyn, the headteacher at April's school; Mark Lews, who co-ordinated the volunteers; map co-ordinator John Rogers, Alyson Jones, who looked after the Jones's other children during the search; current mayor Councillor Diana Lewis and Councillor Gareth Jones, who was mayor at the time of April's disappearance.

Speaking on behalf of Machynlleth the Rev Kathleen Rogers said: "

April Jones in her very short life, has left a lasting legacy to our community and that is, the true meaning of unity, compassion and love. She will always be in our hearts."

No body has ever been found. Bridger, 47, from Ceinws, is serving a life sentence for April's murder.