The relatives of Graham Budden, Mark Darby and Tony Richardson, some not even born when they died, released white balloons into the sky on the 20th anniversary of their death.

On July 26, 1998, the Kent Ambulance hit lower power cables and crashed into woodland near Blue Bell Hill. All three men were killed instantly.

Yesterday, their family and friends joined together to pay their respects.

Gathered at Blue Bell Hill viewing point on Common Road, people laid flowers at the foot of the memorial stone and shared fond memories of Graham, Mark and Tony and of the day itself.

Julie Lewis said a few words before Rachel Darby, Mark's daughter, thanked everyone for coming.

A moment's silence was held before the balloons were released from the edge.

The words "you are loved, you are missed, you are remembered" were printed on to the balloons.

Following a call out to East Grinstead and a quick refuel, the new helicopter flew over the service.

The crowd clapped as the crew brought the air ambulance over them and circled twice before heading back to Rochester Airport.

Julie Lewis said: "I worked with Mark and he played so many practical jokes on me.

"From putting buckets of water on the top of doors, throwing cold water over me when I was in the shower and putting shoes in my freezer.

"He was a practical joker but he was also a passionate caring man and everybody liked him.

"We go to the memorial site every year but this year was special being 20 years.

"We had the minutes silence so everyone could have their own thoughts and memories of the three of them.

"This pub was good to us after the crash. We come here every year to raise a glass.

"Everyone has come together to share memories and it's been a nice day."

Following the service, the crowd gathered at Robin Hood pub for a buffet and to look at pictures, newspaper cuttings and the hundreds of letters sent to the service following the tragedy.

Handwritten letters and condolences cards from the time of the accident were put out for people to see.

Air ambulance crews form as far north as Cumbria and as far west as Somerset sent their condolences at the time, showing how far this tragedy reached.