The family of a homeless man who died in Chatham High Street on Christmas Eve joined a group of volunteers for a candlelit vigil.

Voluntary group One Big Family help rough sleepers across the Medway Towns by distributing warm clothing and food donations.

They also run a soup kitchen and on Monday they held a vigil to remember the lives of homeless people who have died on the streets this year.

Michael McCluskey had been sleeping in an empty shop doorway next to the Poundland shop and Central Theatre when he was found dead on Christmas Eve. His daughter and other members of his family were at the remembrance service at Chatham Waterfront.

Just days after Mr McCluskey’s death another homeless man, named locally as Greg, was found dead less than a five minute walk away, near the entrance to a car park in Solomons Road, on Thursday, December 29.

Their deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

Liz Shaw, founder of One Big Family, said: “This was the first Soup Kitchen since the Christmas party - which both of the men had attended so there was lots of talk of our ‘absent’ friends.

“There were some tears but there was also a lot of laughter as people shared their memories.

“We were also honoured to have Michael’s daughter and family with us. At 7.30pm everyone held a candle whilst our good friend Ken Rose said a few words, then we held a minutes silence.”

Volunteers also handed out warm clothing including thermal underwear and handwarmers as well as toiletries.

She added: “Even though it was very cold no one was in a hurry to leave so we sent two volunteers to Rochester to do a walk about. They helped three men on the high street who were very cold and wet.”

The group then headed to Chatham High Street where they helped three more rough sleepers.

Liz added: “A huge thanks goes to those who cooked, baked and donated food. It was all really appreciated by our homeless friends. No one left hungry.”

Volunteers donated homecooked pasta bolognese, soup, pasties, hot apple pie, cake and mince pies.

No date has yet been set for either Mr McCluskey’s or Greg’s inquests.