Family and friends of a Marlow schoolboy who died while swimming in the River Thames say they are "proud" as they prepare to use his legacy to prevent future tragedies.

Kyrece Francis tragically died on July 22 last year - the first day of the summer holidays - after getting into difficulties while swimming in the Thames at Marlow.

Friends and family of the popular Great Marlow pupil rallied to raise over £13,000 in his memory to provide lifesaving equipment along the stretch where he died.

After working with designers, the Kyrece Legacy team have now finalised 20 lifebuoys to place by the riverside, carrying the ‘KY22’ brand representing his football squad number and the day he died.

And his mum Simone Francis is now in talks with Wycombe District Council about getting the equipment in place before the start of this year’s summer holidays.

She said: "Our lives have been turned upside down, we have lost our beautiful son, we are devastated. Kyrece was a beautiful kind boy, with a huge bubbly personality.

"He was always full of life with a huge infectious smile.

"What makes me proud is the level of support we have received from our community.

"We are truly moved by the support we received.

"Something so sad and tragic is being turned into something positive which will save future lives.

"The safety equipments being designed will have our charity logo and my sons name on them, which makes me very proud."

The Kyrece Legacy fund set up by his friends in the wake of his tragic death raised over £13,000 after the community rallied to help smash the £2000 target.

Fundraisers now want to install the 20 signs on the Thames Path between Bourne End and Marlow and are in discussions with the council.

Catherine Spalton from Wycombe District Council said: "We’re really pleased to be supporting and funding the installation of life saving equipment in Higginson Park and on other Wycombe District Council owned land along the River Thames.

"We’re currently finalising the exact number and location of the stations with Ms Francis."

They are keen to collaborate with schools to reinforce the message about the dangers of open water swimming.

The ambitious team behind the fund are now hoping to go one better as they look to secure a further £25,000 of funding from insurer Aviva’s Community Fund.

And they are looking for help to secure the money by asking people to vote for the cause to receive a slice of the fund.

Ms Francis said: "The money from Aviva will be used to support our plans and to strengthen our charity, it will be used for water safety equipment and educations in schools.

"We need Aviva’s help to make our project a success.

"This is something our whole community and beyond will benefit from."

To vote, visit https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/3255/