Balloons were released into the sky over the River Stour to mark the first anniversary of the tragic death of Lucas Dobson.

Friends and family of the six year old boy were led by his mum Kirsty Furze as they sent the red and white tributes into the sky over Sandwich yesterday.

Footage of the tributes left for Lucas

The gesture was one of hundreds made to the Warden House Primary School pupil whose disappearance in the water on August 17 last year sparked a huge community and emergency search.

A white Porsche emblazoned with his name has been parked in front of a weeping willow tree on the Quayside. The tree itself has been adorned with teddies, photographs and new plaque identifying it as Lucas' Tree.

Flowers and candles around its trunk also accompany the vehicle, as well as a box of red Lucas wristbands with a note from his dad Nathan Dobson advising people to "help themselves and wear with pride".

Mum Kirsty Furze, who had invited people to join her in leaving tributes at the tree, said: "I want to say thank you to everyone that came to Lucas’s tree and laid flowers and candles and also thank you for everyone’s support. I wouldn’t get through any of this without my family and friends and the public. Everybody made today so special for my little Lucas."

Lucas was enjoying a day out on his dad’s boat at their friend’s privately owned jetty when tragedy struck.

While his dad was checking an engine on his friend’s boat, the youngster missed his footing trying to jump onto another boat by himself, plunged into the water and was instantly swept under by strong tidal currents.

His body was recovered four days later.

Ms Furze also marked the anniversary by officially launching her Lucas' Law plight alongside MP Natalie Elphicke. It would make it compulsory for young children to wear lifejackets on boats.

Other messages of support flooded social media on the first anniversary of his death, including one from his school.

Warden House Primary School posted on its Facebook page: "We can't believe that it has been a year since the terrible accident that took the life of Warden House pupil Lucas Dobson.

"Today, our thoughts are with Lucas' family and friends as we recognise this most painful of anniversaries."

Michael Brooks, a founding member of the The Lucas River Safety Campaign, posted: "Can't believe it's been a year little man.

"You brought a whole community together. You will always have a place in my heart. R.I.P. angel of the south coast."

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