WORKMATES and family of welder Martin Swain gathered in his memory at a pub. Mr Swain, 44, of Gillingham Road, Gillingham, was found with head injuries in nearby Richmond Road, on July 18 just after 1am.

He died later in hospital. Mr Swain's family found out about the memorial drinks after Neil Gransden, a former workmate, contacted the Medway Today newspaper.

Mr Swain's son, Andrew, attended the event at the Alexandra Hotel, in Railway Street, Chatham. He said: "I think this is a good idea and I am pleased that so many people came. I am trying to get in touch with as many people who knew my father as possible. The next stage is to try to lay my father to rest."

Former workmates travelled from as far afield as Ireland and Newcastle to pay tribute to their friend. The idea was to raise money for Mr Swain's family and a pint glass was on the counter for contributions.

Many of Mr Swain's workmates from his six years at Horville Engineering, on Rochester Airport Industrial Estate attended.

Mr Swain had always lived in Gillingham, but left Horville Engineering about a year ago.

He leaves three sons, aged 11, 18 and 22.

A former soldier David Cheetham, 43, of Hazelmere Drive, Gillingham, has been remanded on bail charged with Mr Swain's murder. He is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court again on October 4.