Candles are to be lit this evening in memory of a "brilliant" musician who has been confirmed dead five months after he disappeared.

Dan Venes, 31, from Canterbury, was last seen in the College Road area of Margate on August 14.

But it was last night confirmed his body was tragically found on a beach in northern France last summer, bringing to an end a months-long search by police, family and friends in the UK.

News of Dan's death has sparked an outpouring of grief from his loved ones.

Since his disappearance, a page set up on Facebook with the aim of helping to track him down amassed more than 3,500 followers.

Administrators of the page - which was last night renamed 'Remembering Dan Venes' - have now invited people to light a candle for Dan at 7pm this evening.

They invited those taking part to share a photograph of their candle on the page.

"Fly high Dan, we will never forget you," they wrote.

"Your memory will live on. You brought so many people together. Shine that light on your loved ones, let them know you are with them."

Dan's dad, Jason Joiner, told KentOnline last night that his son's body is believed to have been found on a French beach about five months ago, shortly after his disappearance.

But it was not until yesterday evening - following DNA tests that revealed Dan's identity - that his family were informed.

"He was found about five months ago I think - but it's taken them all this time," said Mr Joiner.

"It's unbelievable."

Mr Joiner, from Swalecliffe, previously described his son – who has thousands of followers on Facebook pages exhibiting his art and music – as a “brilliant” guitar player and “a lovely, caring person”.

Prior to his disappearance, Dan is believed to have been picked up at Sturry Railway Station by police due to concerns for his welfare.

He was taken to the QEQM hospital in Margate, but is thought to have left soon after.

Dan, who lived just off Sturry Road, was last seen alive a short while later when he was captured on CCTV in Margate.

News of his death has led to an outpouring of hundreds of comments from both friends and strangers who have anxiously awaited news of his whereabouts.

"You were, and always will be my best mate..."

One Facebook user wrote: "Been praying for months on Dan being found and reunited with his family so saddened about the recent news. Our thoughts are with all his family and friends. RIP."

Another wrote: "Heartbreaking. My thoughts go to family and friends and to each and every person that helped to search. They never gave up on you, Dan. Rest in peace."

"You were loved more than you realised," wrote one of Dan's close friends. "You were, and always will be my best mate."

Another friend wrote: "I will miss your kindness. We have lost a brother. Goodnight Dan. All my love everlasting."

Others paid tribute to Dan's skills as an artist and musician, with one person writing: "So very sorry and sad to hear this. I didn’t know him but loved his work, thought he had great talent."

"Absolutely gutted for everyone who gave so much in this quest to find Dan safe," wrote another. "Thoughts, love and strength to his family, friends and all those affected by his passing."

Kent Police says it was informed by Interpol on Tuesday that the body of a man had been discovered on a beach in northern France.

A spokesman said: "Enquiries to establish the identity of the body are ongoing. However, the family of Daniel Venes, who was reported missing after he was last seen in Margate on Saturday August 14, 2021, have been informed."