FRIENDS and the family of Bradley Arthur have spoken of how their feelings of loss haven’t changed a year on from his death, and how “not a day goes by” without thinking about him.

The much-loved Chafford Hundred father, who was only 24, went missing on New Year’s Day in 2015 after leaving a gathering at a friend’s house.

A massive manhunt involving hundreds of people was held to try to find him, but his body was found after six days in a drainage dyke on Manor Way Path, Little Thurrock.

Brad left behind devastated parents, girlfriend Jennie Burke and baby son Archie – along with hundreds of friends and a grieving community.

In a heartrending written tribute, parents Kay and Robert said Brad was “forever in their hearts”.

They said: “Brad is always on our minds, forever in our hearts.

“We love and miss you darling. Shine bright like a diamond. All our love always, Mum and Dad xxxx.”

His brother, Mitchell Arthur, added his own tribute.

He said: “Miss you bro, never far away. Love always, Mitchell xxx.”

Jennie Burke, Bradley's former girlfriend and the mother of his son, Archie, said: "A year on and still I can not put in to words the hurt and heartbreak I feel every single day, it never seems to get easier."

Describing the heartbreak of seeing son Archie growing up without his dad, she wrote: "It's been a year of firsts for our little bear with his first word being dada I could only imagine how smug you would have been. Dada soon turned in to daddy and he now points to your picture whenever he says it."

Close friend Cassie Taiani, 24, of Drake Road, said: “We are all still struggling. I think it’s the same for all of his friends, not getting over him not being there and I think he’s missed as much as he ever was.

“I think it has been especially hard for the family with Archie’s first birthday. It doesn’t get any better.”

“It’s been horrible, but I think everyone’s been brought closer together by it. Everyone still goes up to his plaque, up at the crematorium.

“People go up there to leave flowers and the boys went up there and hadaFosters to remember him.”

An inquest into Brad’s death in July concluded he died due to “immersion and alcohol intoxication”.

An open verdict was recorded.

A fundraising page set up by friends to help raise funds for his son, who celebrated his first birthday last year, has now raised £10,075, having set a target of £10,000.

Friends and family met Wednesday night to mark the anniversary of Brad’s death by releasing balloons at the Sandmartin pub in Chafford Hundred.

The family plan other fundraising events for Archie throughout this year, to be announced.

A full list of tributes from family and old friends:

Jennie Burke, 24, Bradley's former girlfriend and the mother of his son, Archie, 1, said: "A year on and still I can not put in to words the hurt and heartbreak I feel every single day, it never seems to get easier. Our perfect little family as you always put it will always be missing such a big part.

"It's been a year of firsts for our little bear with his first word being dada I could only imagine how smug you would have been. Dada soon turned in to daddy and he now points to your picture whenever he says it.

"Still just a baby he has been such a strength that we have all needed. Archie is such a character and the spitting image of his daddy. You would be so proud of him. Not a day goes by that you ain't in my thoughts and I miss you so much it hurts, I wish you was here with me watching Archie grow up but I know you are never too far away. Well sleep tight our precious angel we love and miss you so much.

"Love you always Jennie and Archie xxx"

A group of old school friends, including Darrell Werrell, 24, Andrea Avenue, wrote a poem together as their moving tribute:

“It's been a year since you passed,

But your memories will forever last.

We're always having a drink for you,

Whether it's no handed shots or a beer or two.

It's not easy to say,

That we think of you every day.

Although we are miles apart,

You're forever in our hearts.

Love Always, The Boys xx”

Bradley’s grandfather Colin Giles wrote: “In loving memory of our  grandson Bradley, you left us a year ago far too soon, but we feel you’re with us every day. In our hearts forever, love from Nan and Grandad.”

Uncle and Aunt Steve and Jen Rugg wrote: “To our lovely nephew we miss you so much, you are always in our thoughts! We love you with all our hearts, not a day goes by where we don't think about you. Love and miss you forever! Lots of love Steve and Jen xxx (uncle and aunt).”

Bradley’s cousin Molly Rugg wrote: “No matter how much time goes by I will always love you with all my heart! I will forever look up to you, you'll always be like my big brother everything I do is to make you proud and smile! Love you with all my heart, miss you more and more every day! Shine bright angel! Love Molly xxx.”

Close friend Jemma MacArthur said: “Crazy to think a year has passed already, felt so slow but gone so fast! To think we haven't spoken or seen each other, but most of all not watching Archie grow up with you & you telling me all the new things he's doing!

“There's not a day where you’re not in my thoughts & nothing makes me prouder than being able to tell people all about you, how proud I am of you but most off all how your my best friend & that won't ever change. Hope you’re having fun up there! I love you and miss you so, so much. Love Jemma.”

Close friend Cassie Taiani, 24, Drake Road, wrote: “To think it's been a year since we lost you to the Angels! We still think of you everyday and talk about all the memories and good times we shared over many, many years with you! Things won't ever be the same without you being here with us all! But your cheeky smile will always be with us forever! Miss you lots and lots. Love you for infinity love Cass, Adam and Autumn-Rose xxxx.”

The Grafton family, of Catharine Close, including Brad’s best friend Darren Grafton and sister Leanne Grafton, 20, wrote: “Brad we will never forget you. All of the holidays and birthdays we have all shared together will be life long memories that we will treasure forever. Shine bright Angel. Always loved, never forgotten. Love The Graftons xxx.”

The Arthur’s neighbours the Blackburn Family, Drake Road, wrote: “Bradley, I can't believe it's been a year that you've been gone, we have many happy memories of you to keep us smiling.  We will never forget you. Love always Jane, Charlie and Jordan xxx.”