The heartbroken family of a "creative and talented" schoolboy have paid a touching tribute to him after he was tragically found dead in woodland near his home.

The death of 16-year-old Lucas Webb at the weekend has shocked and saddened the community in Barham, who turned out in huge numbers to search for him after he went missing.

It followed a police appeal to find the teenager, who was last seen in the village near Canterbury at about 1.30pm on Saturday and whose body was discovered at 11.30am on Sunday.

His parents, Alison and Colin, say his death has left them utterly devastated.

"In Lucas’ 16 years of life, he proved that he had a talent for learning and achieving," they said. "Highly self-motivated, he adored all things science related and was an inspiration to many of his peers who respected his drive, humour and creativity.

"Lucas was a caring, handsome and unbelievably witty son and brother who always succeeded in out-debating any of us!

"We as a family are utterly devastated at the thought of our beautiful Lucas no longer being with us."

The effort to find Lucas included support from firefighters and Kent Search and Rescue volunteers, as well as teachers at his former school, Barham Primary.

In a tribute from staff, head teacher Alison Higgins said: "This tragic news has touched our school community. His mum, Alison, worked for the school for many years and his younger sister, Leila, also attended Barham.

"Lucas will be remembered for his unique creativity and his incredible knowledge of science and technology.

"He embraced all that the school had to offer. His talent show acts were particularly memorable. Lucas is not someone you forget and he will certainly not be forgotten."

Lucas, who grew up and lived in the village, was gifted academically and was studying in the sixth from at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys.

News of his death has left the school on shock, with pupils offered support.

In a letter to parents, head teacher Ken Moffat said Lucas's deaths had "hit his friends hard".

"He is remembered by colleagues as a very amiable and personable young man who was academically talented and a keen contributor to wider aspects of the Langton curriculum," he wrote.

"To say that the school is in shock is an understatement. He appeared to have a very bright future in front of him and he seemed to deal with all aspects of school life easily and cheerfully.

"In time, we will consult with the Webb family to discuss a suitable way of remembering Lucas’ time at The Langton and his contribution to school life.

"I have written to the family on behalf of the whole Langton community to offer your sympathy and condolences. I know they will be in the very forefront of your minds."

'I'm very proud with how so many people turned out to search for Lucas...'

The doors to Barham village church, St John the Baptist, were opened up for prayers following Lucas's death.

The Rev Stefan Thomas praised the community spirit in the wake of the schoolboy's disappearance.

"I'm very proud with how so many people turned out to search for Lucas," he said.

"There must have been 150 people, including his friends and former teachers, who were directed by the police.

"We also opened up the church so the community could come an spend a peaceful moment remembering Lucas and light a candle, which many did.

"He was a local boy who was clearly very popular and loved by his family and friends so it has been a great shock to everyone.

"I have spoken to his family and we are providing pastoral support at this devastating time for them."

Police say Lucas's death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

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