THE funeral of pregnant teenager Nikitta Grender who was found dead at her Newport home will take place next week.

The 19-year-old’s unborn child, who she had planned to call Kelsey-May, will also be remembered at the service at St John’s Church in Maindee on March 9.

Miss Grender was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when she was found in her Broadmead Park home, Lliswerry, by firefghters who were called to a blaze on February 5.

Family tributes in yesterday’s Argus read: “Taken away from us in a cruel way, we will never forget that fateful day. Two voids in our hearts can never be filled. Until we are together again, take care of Kelsey-May. Goodnight Princess Nana and Grancha G.”

Another read: “Our darling granddaughter Nikitta, Kelsey-May. Words can never say how much we miss and love you. Our two little Angels in Heaven shining so bright at night. Sleep tight little ones. God bless you both. Lots of love hugs and kisses Nan, Granch Brunnock.”

The former Hartridge High School pupil’s funeral will be led by Reverend Helen Hall, who is the vicar at St Andrew's Church in Lliswerry.

The teenager’s family have asked mourners to wear a hint of pink in memory of the mum and daughter and have requested family flowers only.

Donations can instead be made to the special care baby unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital through Tovey Bros funeral home. The 1pm service will be followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium.

An inquest into Miss Grender's death will also be opened at Gwent Coroner’s office today.

Newport man Carl Whant, 26, is charged with Miss Grender's murder and an offence of child destruction under the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929, which relates to destroying the life of a child before life existed external from its mother.

He is currently in custody awaiting his next court hearing in May.