A grieving County Durham family has finally been given closure after the body of their son was found along the riverbank months after he tragically passed away.
The loved ones of 19-year-old Aaron Lennox from Seaham say they will "look for him in the stars" now he has finally been laid to rest months after he went missing.
The student, who was completing an electrical apprenticeship at Sunderland College also worked at the Crows Nest Pub in Seaham and went missing after he was last seen on the Wearmouth Bridge just after midnight on January 1.
After months of searching, remains were found by a member of the public along the riverbank on April 12 - and further testing matched DNA to Aaron's.
Aaron's family have now held a service for their "beautiful" boy and are set to arrange a memorial service in due course.
Aaron's mum, Rebecca Robson, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her son as she thanks the community for their support.
She said: "Aaron will be such a big miss in Seaham and to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Rest in peace our precious beautiful Aaron we all love you so much.
"He was so polite and such a gentleman. His cheeky smile and dimples lit a room up wherever he went.
"The pain of losing Aaron will never fade but the love and memories we shared will always remain. You were simply the best."
Aaron's dad Marc Lennox, 42, also spoke fondly of his son, expressing how proud he is to be his father.
He said: "Aaron was a fun, loving and caring person - always jumping about. He had goals set for his life. He wanted to go and work offshore as an electrician.
"He had his whole life ahead of him - this has just been a massive shock."
Marc added: "There has been such an outpouring of love for Aaron. I'm proud to be his father.
"Aaron passed before he could even see the birth of his new baby brother, Hunter. He's missed out on so much.
"Seaham is a small community when it comes to things like this - I can't thank them enough for everything."
Aaron also leaves behind his siblings Jessica, Kady-Leigh, Marc Jr, Harley, Anna and Hunter as well as step-siblings Macy, Macaulay and Madison.
A fundraiser put together for the family earlier in the year will be used to set up a memorial service to give Aaron "the best send-off".
Close friend Bonnie Riddell also wrote on social media: "We have managed to raise money to have the best memorial for our boy.
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"A lot of Seaham residents, Aaron’s friends, family, the Inn-Between and The Crows Nest have all helped raise money and donated so we can have the best send-off for Aaron as he truly deserves this.
"His mam and siblings are very heartbroken due to this news. I couldn’t be more proud of them and how strong they are being through it all.
"Aaron you will always be loved. I will always look for you in the stars."
A memorial service will be arranged and held at St Mary Magdalanes church followed by a wake at Aaron's "favourite" pub the Inn-Between to "raise a toast" to him and commemorate his life.
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