Hundreds mourn backpacker's death

Floral tributes to Natalie Morris

A south Wales Valleys village came to a standstill as hundreds gathered for the funeral of the second Welsh woman killed in the Australia backpackers' hostel fire.

The service for Natalie Morris, 28, was just yards from her home and came two days after the funeral of her friend Sarah Williams - who also perished in the blaze.

Flown home: Natalie Morris

Ms Morris, from Cefn Coed, near Merthyr Tydfil, had been touring Australia with her two friends when a blaze tore through the Palace Hostel in Childers, killing 15 people.

She and 23-year-old Sarah Williams, from nearby Aberfan, were overcome by smoke.

Natalie Morris's family and close friends gathered in private at her home first before a service held at St John's Church.

Blaze victim: Sarah Williams

Among the mourners was Kelly Symonds, also from Aberfan, who survived after being pulled from the flames.

"Australia was always somewhere she wanted to go," said the Rural Dean of Brecon, the Reverend Bev John.

"And, of course, she realised this so theses consequences are so tragic with all of that in mind."

Police in Australia are still investigating what caused the fire.

Paul Long, 37, has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer while he was being arrested for questioning in connection with the fire.