A Christmas tree dedicated to Lucas Dobson is among the uniquely decorated spruces in an upcoming festive display.

Pupils at Warden House Primary have remembered their school friend with a sunshine and smiles themed tree, which will be unveiled as part of Trinity Church's Christmas Tree Festival in Deal tomorrow.

The bright decoration is among around 65 others helping to raise money for charity over the course of the three-day event.

Six-year-old Lucas was the focus of a five-day search involving people from all over the county after he fell into the River Stour in Sandwich in August.

Vigils were held across the coast with people praying for his safe return.

But he was tragically discovered in the water on August 21 with his funeral the following month attended by hundreds of people.

In a tear-jerking poem scribed by the school's nurture teaching assistant Caroline Luck and placed beside the tree, he is described as the "household name that lit up the coast".

The passage also details hows the smiley student has not been forgotten.

She writes: "Merry Christmas Lucas your legacy will live on.

"With the River Safety Campaign and Lucas Law you have not gone.

"So visit us this Christmas as we have saved your chair and space.

"We often think of you and your soul which we can never replace."

Handmade baubles surrounding the flowers have been created by Warden House parent Heather Aldred, teaching assistant Lyn Creed and Year 5 pupil Iris O'Gorman.

Head teacher Rob Hackett said: "We wanted to enter the tree into the year's festival to show Lucas' family that we are thinking of Lucas and them this Christmas time and are sending them our thoughts and prayers.

"We recognise that Christmas will be a particularly difficult time for the family and we wanted to do something to show them our support."

Other participants of the festival include Walmer Care Centre, Breast Cancer Now and the RSPCA.

Unusual displays include mugs and jugs by Audrey Moodie and Jenny Gibbons, and a chemist-tree featuring medication packets by Deal vs Arthritis.

Deal Carnival has dressed barbies in purple sashes and replaced an angel at the top of its tree with a tiara.

The event, organised by Geoff and Alison Potter and Andy and Sally Russell, is in its 12th year.

Mr Russell said: "There's a huge variety this year. In their own way, they're all absolutely brilliant."

It will be officially opened by the Mayor of Deal Cllr Eileen Rowbotham at 10am followed by entertainment from Sandown Primary School's choir.

The festival is open to visitors from 10am until 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7 and between noon and 5pm on the Sunday.

Entry is £2 for adults and accompanied children go free.

All proceeds go to Carers' Support East Kent, Action for Children and Trinity Church funds.

The church is on the corner of West Street and Union Road.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal