This is tragic 12-year-old Alex Chappell, who died when he fell in the River Medway.

Alex's picture was released by police today with a moving tributes from the schoolboy's family.

Grieving parents Gina Tweddell and Adam Ottaway said: "We will always remember the joy, the fun, the cheekiness and the stubbornness you gave us.

"You always knew how to keep us on our toes in times of laughter and sorrow.

"We have too many memories to choose from or to write down, yet all of them were special. Who can forget the love and kindness you gave.

"We are proud to have you as a son and we will always love you. Words can’t explain the emotion and loss we feel.

"Stay safe our brave boy, we will be with you very soon. You will always be in our hearts and our hearts will always be with you."

Alex drowned on May 30 when he fell in the River Medway at a park in Maidstone.

He had been playing with friends on a rope swing over the river at a park near The Stampers in Tovil at 2.30pm.

Firefighters pulled Alex’s body from the water at 4.15pm, but paramedics couldn't revive him.

"we have too many memories to choose from or to write down” – alex’s parents

Alex's family said he had a passion for woodworking and making things and had been working on stripping a BMX with his Granddad before he died.

Grandparents Phil and Angela Tweddell said: "Alex often came over to stay at weekends and during the school holidays enjoying the freedom of playing in the woods, kicking the football around and throwing the various toys around for our dog Woody.

"His last day with us he was helping his nanny try to find out what was nibbling the carrots that she had to feed to the guinea pigs, then he went to the wood shed where he started stripping his BMX ready for a respray and there it still is."

Alex's family also thanked those who helped to find Alex, saying they are "eternally grateful".