Rescue teams are patrolling Maidstone and its river tonight, five years since a young man lost his life when he fell into the water during a night out.

Pat Lamb, from Greenhithe, had been socialising with friends in the County Town on December 13, 2014, when he went missing in the early hours.

Tragically, the 28-year-old's body was discovered at Cuxton Marina, in January 2015.

This followed an intensive month-long search, led by members of Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR), and members of the public who banded together to help.

Sadly, several other men have also lost their lives by falling into the River Medway.

Kieron Knowlden, 25, from Tonbridge died in March 2014 after a night out in Tonbridge and in 2009, teenager Sonny Pataria drowned after falling into the River Medway in Chatham.

Three years ago, in December 2016, Ben Savage was reported missing in the early hours of December 6, after a night out in Chatham. He was last seen near Sun Pier and KSAR was instrumental in searches to try and find the 18-year-old.

His body was discovered in the River Medway in February.

His family gave their backing to KSAR's campaign which launched in 2017 and is called Safe and Dry. Kent Fire and Rescue Service also runs a similar scheme called Got Ducked, Fell In, urging people to stay together.

Charity volunteers patrol the river on Fridays and Saturdays in December in an inflatable boat. They also take to the town centre to check nobody is walking alone, in a vulnerable state.

It says another simple step people can take is not to attempt to walk home near a river.

KSAR says Christmas is often a key time for people to get into difficulties as people are often in unfamiliar towns during the party season.

Tonight, river levels are high in Maidstone as heavy rain has seen the Medway swell and cover the footpaths in town. A flood alert remains in place today.

Since Mr Lamb's death, a community safety organisation, The Puddy Foundation, was set up in his memory. It is run by his girlfriend Natasha Morgan.

She wrote on the group's Facebook page: "Five years ago the most kind, loving, funny, handsome man passed away.

"My partner, my lovely Patrick. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about you."

She added: "I will forever be grateful for the help from everyone who searched, shared and prayed for his safe return.

"Please be careful on your festive nights out make sure you stay with friends and look after one another."

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.