FRIENDS of a gifted student who died suddenly of a mystery condition are to plant a tree in her memory.

As we reported previously, 18-year-old Ceri-Ann Faulkner, of Oakdale, died after a short illness last week.

The promising music student, who dreamt of singing and dancing in the West End, spent a week at Cardiff's University Hospital after being admitted for stomach pains and breathing difficulties two weeks ago.

She returned for further tests on June 26 and died the next day.

An investigation was launched into her death and an inquest will be held. Ceri-Ann's family was told she may have died of pulmonary hyper-tension, a condition where not enough blood is pumped to the lungs.

Now friends are planning to plant a tree in her memory at the site of a church in Spain.

Ceri-Ann, a committed Christian, taught around 35 young students at a weekly religious studies class at the Tabernacle Church in Pontllanfraith.

The youth group, led by pastor Carl Hickling, is going on a mission to northern Spain to help renovate a church building.

Ceri-Ann's mum Susan Greening said: "Ceri-Ann had been on a number of these missions before and she was very much looking forward to the trip to Spain.

"As part of the rebuilding of the church, the group is planting trees and they have said they are going to plant one in her honour.

"Her friends are devastated at her death. She was a committed Christian and she loved taking the class.

"Her friends wanted to do something special for her, and we think this is a wonderful gesture."

The Tabernacle Church, in Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, was kept open for three days last week following Ceri-Ann's death for family and friends to say prayers for her.

The church held a special service the day after her death.

Ceri-Ann's funeral will be held at the church tomorrow morning at 10.30am.

Her parents have asked mourners not to wear black, and are accepting donations instead of flowers which will be given to causes that Ceri-Ann supported.