Night-time river patrols have been taking place to prevent any drowning deaths.

The scheme is run by the Kent Search and Rescue charity and comes after several young men lost their lives in recent years after enjoying a night out.

They include Ben Savage, Pat Lamb and Kieron Knowlden who tragically fell into the River Medway.

Mr Savage, 18, had been on a night out at the Tap ‘n’ Tin in Chatham on December 6, 2016, when he went missing.

This week the Coastguard paid tribute on the first anniversary of his disappearance.

His family have backed the charity's campaign, called Safe and Dry, the first of its kind in Kent.

The organisation says the Christmas run-up is a key time for people to get into danger as many enjoy more nights out, sometimes in unfamiliar places during the party season.

They will help anyone in difficulty, but the aim is to raise awareness and try and prevent incidents in the first place.

Teams in boats have deployed in Maidstone and Rochester. In Maidstone a vessel with a powerful search light has been seen up and down the Medway in the town centre and travelling towards Tovil.

Friday was the first night of the patrols - more are due tomorrow, plus on December 15-16 and 22-23.