Funeral for river-boarding victim

Emily Jordan was on a six-month overseas trip when she died

The funeral of a woman who died river-boarding in New Zealand has taken place.

Emily Jordan, from near Bewdley, Worcestershire, is believed to have drowned in a river near Queenstown, on the South Island, last month.

Her family and friends celebrated the 21-year-old's life at St Mary's Church in Kidderminster, following a private service in Stourbridge.

Her family is setting up a charity in memory of Miss Jordan.

The Emily Jordan Foundation will help people with learning difficulties.

'Special person'

Her father Chris said she had spent "many hours" helping at a voluntary organisation which helped young people with such difficulties.

"Emily was such a special person - she had so much to give the world in years to come," he said.

"This is a way of continuing her name into the future."

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned last week.

Coroner Robin Balmain said he hoped the full inquest could be held in New Zealand.