The home-town of Lucas Dobson turned out en masse tonight to remember the six-year-old who fell into a river.

The vigil at Deal Pier was one of two - the other being in Margate - aimed at flooding the coast in the youngster's favourite colour, red.

People brought candles, flowers and messages of love to his family.

As many as 200 people attended a vigil for Lucas around the statue at the front of Deal Pier this evening.

Some of his favourite songs were played and eco-friendly balloons were released into the air.

Both Lucas' parents attended and his uncle Lewis Tolman, thanked members of the public for their support over the last week.

He told the crowd: "We are touched and we know that Lucas will never be forgotten in all of our hearts.

"It has changed us all and brought all our community together.

"To think that a six-year-old has brought so many people together."

Children and adults were seen visibly weeping during the vigil.

The statue outside the pier was surrounded by floral and written tributes.

Among those at the vigil included Jenny Walton who said: "I'm here for Lucas.

"One the day it happened I was in Sandwich with my brother having a barbecue.

"We all stopped and went out searching for him straight away."

The brief vigil then ended with those attending walking to the edge of the beach to throw petals into the sea for the boy's memory.

Lucas Dobson was on a fishing trip with his dad Nathan Dobson when he fell into the River Stour in Sandwich on Saturday.

Efforts were made by Mr Dobson and two other adults to rescue him but the six-year-old was swept away by the current.

A five-day search ensued with hundreds of volunteers from all over the county and further afield joining in.

People also showed their support by donating food and drink to volunteers and joining in vigils on Monday night.

The six-year-old was recovered from the water on Wednesday.

His mum Kirsty Furze has since thanked all volunteers who gave up their time to help.

She said: "I just want to thank each and every one of you.

"I'm so thankful for donations and the food and being out all hours searching for my baby and for the police and rescue and search team.

"I cannot believe how much my baby has touched all your hearts."

Tributes have since been left along Sandwich Quayside and also at the gates of his primary school.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal