SPECIAL prayers were said for tragic schoolgirl Jasmine Allen at a church service in Newbridge yesterday morning.

Newbridge comprehensive school pupil Jasmine, aged 12, of Hafodyrynys, died when the minibus in which she was travelling to school overturned after a collision with a car a week ago today.

At St Paul's church yesterday, the Reverend Margaret Jefford offered prayers of remembrance for Jasmine. In a sermon about doubt and fears, the Rev Jefford spoke about the accident.

She said: "Accidents happen. There has been a tragic accident this week which has devastated many people.

"A school has been brought to its knees in a week that has been very difficult."

She said communities were brought together because of the tragic accident, which had left doubts in many peoples' hearts.

She said: "Many questions have been asked, many doubts about God, questions about where he was. God was working with those young people. He was working through the ambulance crews, the hospital and the nurses. He was working in the community."

The congregation was asked to pray for the staff and pupils of Newbridge comprehensive school and the pupils injured in the bus crash, as well as to remember Jasmine and pray for her parents and family.

Seven of the ten pupils involved in the crash returned to school on Thursday morning. The school's head teacher Allan Raybould said pupils are being encouraged to get back to their normal routine and professional counselling is being offered.

One pupil, Naomi Welsh, is still being treated in Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Her condition is stable.

Craig Jones, 15, was discharged from Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, after being treated for a broken pelvis.

Gwent police are still appealing for witnesses. Call 01633 838111.