A teacher's tear-jerking tribute to Lucas Dobson says his school chair won't be left empty, because he will take it to heaven with him.

The handwritten message is one of more than a dozen left on red laminated card, attached to flowers, and tied to the gates of the six year old's primary school, Warden House in Deal.

Staff members have shared their grief after the "well-liked" pupil who had "many friends" was recovered from the River Stour in Sandwich, yesterday.

Many of them, as well as parents from the school, had personally joined the five-day search to find the boy after he fell into the water during a fishing trip on Saturday.

One has written: "You will never leave here an empty chair because you will take that chair to heaven with you."

Another says: "To our little squirrel Lucas, we will always remember your beautiful eyes, infectious giggle and your lovely, kind, gentle nature.

"One of the loveliest children we have ever had the pleasure to teach. Sleep in peace little man."

Another reads: "Lucas, your cheeky smile and beautiful eyes will be imprinted on my mind forever. Sleep tight little angel."

Two giant teddies have also been left at the school entrance as well as child's drawings and candles.

Principal of Warden House Primary, Graham Chisnell, said the school community has been deeply shaken by the death of Lucas.

He said: "Lucas was a kind and well-liked boy with many friends.

"He is in our thoughts constantly and we will support our children, staff and families through this difficult time.

"Our school community and the communities of Deal and Sandwich have been amazing and we thank them for the warm thoughts and heartfelt prayers they continue to share.

"Our hearts are with Lucas’ family, especially his mother Kirsty and father Nathan."

Heart-breaking tributes continue to be left under a weeping willow tree on Sandwich Quay. More than 50 bunches of flowers surround the large trunk, as well as teddies and candles.

Among them is a child's handwritten message saying "Shine bright like a bright star."

Another card left on the ground reads: "Sometimes there are no words."

Another card highlights how the tragedy has touched people from afar, and those who had never even met Lucas.

The message reads: "Sleep tight little angel. Even though we have never met, you touched all our hearts and will always be remembered."

Tealights and shells have been arranged on the ground to form Lucas' name while red balloons attached to a bench moved in the wind.

Both Deal and Sandwich Town Councils are flying their flags at half mast.

Cllr Susan Carlyle said: "We extend our sympathy and thoughts to all the family grieving the loss of little Lucas and to the school community at Warden House and people of the town."

A book of condolence will be opened for Lucas in St Peter's Church tomorrow.

Members of garage and hip hop group So Solid Crew have also posted a tribute to the Facebook page set up to remember Lucas.

It said: "Sending our condolences to Lucas & his family we have all been saddened (by) this unfortunate accident. Solid Love Always and Forever."

The post has been liked more than 1,300 times.

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Volunteer Stevie Henry, who started the food collection for volunteers on Saturday night, has said that all left over items have been donated to other good causes.

She said: "The response to my pleas for food and other goods needed donations to feed Lucas family, the official rescue crews police and the volunteers was fantastic this past week.

"After checking with the family, we have donated the surplus supplies to RNLI, Search & Rescue, voluntary fire services, Red Cross, Salvation Army including the Thanet homeless centre, Sandwich Age Concern and the Phoenix Centre food bank."

Read more: All the latest news from Deal