The mother of Lucas Dobson has thanked volunteers who helped search for her son.

The body of the six-year-old was found yesterday after rescue teams and hundreds of volunteers got together to search the River Stour in Sandwich where he fell in on Saturday.

Posting on the Facebook group 'In Loving Memory of Lucas Dobson', the Deal schoolboy's mother Kirsty thanked everyone who gave up their time during the five-day search.

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.

"He was such a beautiful boy. Lucas is looking down on everyone saying thank you in his own way,

"Lucas will never ever be forgotten. I'm so overwhelmed with the support I have had and so is Lucas' dad.

"I really don't know how else I could show my appreciation to you all."

Floral tributes and a book of condolence have been set up to pay tribute to Lucas.

The boy's school, Warden House Primary School in Birdwood Avenue, Deal, has also paid tribute.

KMTV's report on the news that Lucas had been found

On a post on its Facebook page, the school said: "Our school community has been deeply shaken by the confirmation of the death of Lucas Dobson.

"Thank you to our staff and families who have been supporting the tireless search for Lucas and the warm thoughts and heartfelt prayers they continue to share.

"We are so grateful for the support given by the staff and families of Warden House and the Kent emergency services.

"Our hearts are with Lucas’ parents, family and friends at this harrowing time. It is now our role to help our school community to honour the memory of this wonderful little boy.

"We will take each step gently and support our children, families and community through this troubling time."

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich