THE dark sky was lit up by a series of lanterns last night as a Cwmbran schoolgirl was remembered by her friends and family.

The friends of 17-year-old Amber Tainton, who died suddenly on September 4, organised for the lanterns to be lit at Cwmbran Park in her memory.

Around 80 friends, together with Amber's parents Chris and Rosemarie, brother Elliott and sister Courtney, lighted lanterns - some of which were red shaped hearts.

White and amber-coloured balloons were also released in the sky.

Those who gathered laughed and smiled as they watched the lanterns disappear into the night sky in celebration of Amber's life.

Amber's father Chris said: "We're so grateful to all of Amber's friends for coming. Amber would have loved it. It's such a fitting end."

He added: "Amber and her friends were always in this park, sat around chatting and listening to music. This was a very big part of her life."

Mr Tainton said Amber's death had left them with a "massive emptiness".

"It's as hard now as it was the day we lost her," he said.

Amber was a sixth form pupil at Llantarnam School and was due to return back to school for the new term when she died suddenly at her home in Coed Eva.

She was described as a "caring and loving girl" with an "infectious smile" at her funeral which hundreds of people attended last month.