Money is pouring in following the tragic death of the youngster in the River Don

More than £10,000 has been raised for the devastated family of Mackenzie Swift, the 11-year-old Doncaster boy who died in the River Don.

It comes as a memorial service was held at Mexborough’s St John The Baptist Church this morning (Wednesday).

Mackenzie’s body was recovered from the River Don on Monday, 48 hours after he was last seen going into the water near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough.

The Reverend Edward Morrison said: "People have been very concerned, upset and affected and they've found that in this place they've been able to express some of their their sorrow and concern and search for meaning in these difficult times."

Flowers have been laid at the scene in Mexborough and a GoFundMe page has topped more than £10,000 in a matter of hours.

Paul Rust, head teacher of Highwoods Academy, which Mackenzie attended, said the school community had been left "heartbroken" following the news.

Mr Rust described him as "a kind, caring and sensitive young man", whose "dry sense of humour and laughter brightened our classrooms and playgrounds”

He addedL "As an important member of our school, he will always hold a special place in our hearts, We will remember Mackenzie for the happiness he shared and the smiles he brought to others.”

Fund organiser Dale Coles said on the fundraising page, which you can donate to here - https://www.gofundme.com/f/mckenzie-swift: “We’ve decided to set up a GoFundMe for Mackenzie.

“I’m having tons of messages asking how people can give something or donate to the family in this absolutely horrendous time.

“To lose their boy must be the worst feeling in the world - and then on top of that comes the massive cost of having a funeral for him.

“So in light of this and the tons of messages from the community, we thought this might help with anything they need.

“So please even if it’s only £1 you can donate, every little helps the family through this horrendous time.”

Mackenzie was last seen going into the water near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at about 8pm on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police said extensive searches, including an underwater team and Mountain Rescue volunteers, came to an end shortly before 11pm on Monday.

Mackenzie is the 17th person in the UK known to have died after getting into trouble in open water during the recent hot weather.