Hazel and Amelia. Pic: Facebook
The half-sister of missing April Jones has given birth to a baby girl.
Hazel Jones had baby Amelia – April's niece - over the weekend.
April's parents Coral and Paul are said to be 'delighted'. A family friend said: "The new baby has given everyone a lift and it's come at the right time of year.
"Hazel will be a lovely mum - she was seven months pregnant when April went missing so it has been hard for her.
"But you only have to look at the pictures to see the new baby is spreading a bit of joy around."
Proud new mother Hazel posted pictures of her daughter on Facebook alongside a snap of April and pink ribbons which have become a symbol for the search for her.
April's mum Coral, 40, left a message to say that she 'likes' the photos.
PA
Local councillor Michael Williams, who lives on the same estate as the Jones family, said: "She will bring considerable joy to the Jones family and to the towns people of Machynlleth. Everyone is happy with the new arrival, particularly at this time of year."
Hazel and her younger sister Abby are Paul's daughters from a relationship before he met Coral.
The three girls were said to have been very close and Hazel and Abby referred to the missing five-year-old as their 'little sister'.
April vanished on October 1 while riding her bike close to the family home in Machynlleth, Powys.
Police are continuing to search for her, with the operation expected to be scaled down for two weeks over Christmas.
Mark Bridger, 46, has been charged with April's murder, abduction and perverting the course of justice.