Eddie Stobart lorry named in memory of April Jones in Machynlleth

An Eddie Stobart lorry has been named in honour of five-year-old April Jones in her home town.

The haulage company, which gives all its cabs female names, named its latest in memory of the girl who was abducted and murdered in Machynlleth, Powys.

The idea came from a Shropshire couple who joined the search for April.

The lorry cab also features a pink ribbon - a symbol used by April's family following her disappearance.

Mark Bridger was jailed for life for April's murder and abduction in May.

She went missing on 1 October 2012 while playing near her home sparking the biggest search in UK police history.

Her remains have never been found.

Kevin and Jenny Clarke, from Ford near Shrewsbury, have got to know April's parents Coral and Paul Jones and joined them in the unveiling on Wednesday.

Mrs Clarke said she had contacted Eddie Stobart about calling the cab April and had almost an instant response.

"It's something we can do that keeps April in the public eye," said Mrs Clarke.

"It won't necessarily ease the pain but it helps keep her memory alive."

Mrs Clarke said: "We only live 50 miles away and we heard about April's disappearance on Facebook on the night she disappeared.

"Kevin travelled over there and offered to do whatever he could to help in the search, hand out posters, anything.

"He ended up staying nearly a week. People were very welcoming there, there was a tremendous response in the town and then we got to know Coral and Paul from fundraising."

There are about 2,500 Eddie Stobart trucks on the road.

The Cumbrian-based company's first lorry was named Twiggy after the 1960s model.

April's lorry is expected to be driven by Ashley Maddocks, from Newport, who is one of the drivers featured in the Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers TV documentary series.

Stobart Group chief operating officer William Stobart said: "With the vehicle travelling across the UK each week, and our dedicated 20,000 club members looking out for it, naming the truck in April's memory will help highlight awareness of the April Fund and recognise the Jones family."