THE city's MP said his thoughts were with the family of Worcester university student Tom Jones after adding a message to a memorial tree for drowning victims.

Robin Walker helped to decorate the Christmas tree at the Royal Life Saving Society's (RLSS) headquarters, in London Road, Worcester.

University of Worcester student Tom Jones became the focus of national attention last year after he went missing on a night out in the city.

His body was later retrieved from the River Severn, in Worcester, following a search which involved thousands of volunteers.

Mr Walker said: "My thoughts this Christmas go out to the families of all recent victims, but in particular the family of Thomas Jones who sadly lost his life in Worcester earlier this year. 

“I hope that by sharing their memories and experiences at the memorial, this difficult time of year is made that little bit easier for Vicki, Ian, and Ellie Jones.

"The Worcester community was rocked by Thomas’s tragic death and I know that many local people will be keeping his family in their prayers over the festive period.

“The RLSS do vital work in the field of drowning prevention and water safety education, and this memorial tree is a touching tribute to those who tragically lost their lives to drowning this year."

Tom Jones' parents, Vicki and Ian, and his sister, Ellie, also created their own memorial decoration for the tree.

Vicki Hartley-Kite, the RLSS’s director of communications, said: “With one less person around the table, Christmas can be one of the hardest parts of the year for these families.

“As we look forward to the warmth and good humour a family Christmas can bring, it’s easy to forget about those families, coming to terms with their loss.

“The tree was a simple idea we came up with. It gives people a focus point for their seasonal memories and space to create their personal messages but for those who are unable to travel to us, we’re providing the opportunity to return their decorations to us, free of charge, to add to the tree.

“The decorations themselves have a practical element as they are easy to write on but we expressly chose wooden decorations to draw on the seasonal presence of the Christmas tree, as well as providing a natural, poignant and enduring memorial for the bereaved."

The RLSS helps to prevent drowning through water safety education.

Mr Walker added his message to the charity's tree on December 21.