Hundreds of people paid their respects at an emotional service for missing five-year-old April Jones.

More than 700 people walked slowly through the Welsh town of Machynlleth, and hundreds gathered at the Bryn-y-Gog estate from where April was abducted on Monday evening.

The procession moved in silence through the town yesterday, many of the walkers wearing pink ribbons symbolising their faith that she is still alive. The sombre gathering made its way slowly to the service at St Peter's Church in the mid-Wales market town.

Speaking before the ceremony, the Rev Kathleen Rogers said: "The realisation is coming on since yesterday when we heard murder – that has hit home."

Addressing the congregation, Ms Rogers prayed for April's parents Coral, 40, and Paul, 44, who were not at the ceremony.

She said: "We cannot bring little April, our sweet and innocent little girl, home as we had hoped. But our hope has now been moved on to sure and certain hope that she is in the arms of Jesus."

The Bishop of Bangor, the Rt Rev Andy John, said the tight-knit community had "touched the heart of people around the world".

He said emails had been received from as far afield as South Africa and New Zealand. Mr John extended his thanks to searchers, including the "extraordinary effort" of mountain rescue teams.

"I want to thank the police for their professional dedication and we're glad that they're here for us," he added.

A young boy and girl carried a pink candle dubbed April's Candle and a Book of Hope to the altar. They were blessed by Mr John.

The service ended with the hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful while a CD called Hope, which was compiled especially for April, was played as the congregation left the church.

April, who has cerebral palsy, was playing out late on her bicycle as a treat for a glowing school report when she disappeared on last Monday evening.

Former lifeguard Mark Bridger, 46, was charged yesterday with her abduction and murder.

Bridger, who lives in the town, is also accused of perverting the course of justice and will appear before Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court today.