THE FAMILIES of three kayakers found dead in a river after they got into difficulty have released photographs of their loved ones.

Brothers Darren and Mark Thorpe and their cousin Gavin Bradley failed to return home on Sunday after a day out on the River Tyne near Hexham, Northumberland.

Darren, 41, and Mark, 39, were from South Shields, South Tyneside, while Mr Bradley, 36, came from Jarrow.

The photo issued by Mr Bradley's family shows him with his wife Louise and children Molly and Gracie, apparently on holiday with a sunset behind.

The photographs have been released without any statement from the families, who have asked for their privacy to be respected.

It is believed the three men had planned their trip and knew the river well, but encountered challenging conditions after heavy rainfall.

The emergency services were alerted at about 11pm on Sunday and a major operation was launched involving police, fire crews, the coastguard, the RAF and search specialists.

The bodies were found at different locations in the river on Monday. The kayaks of the men were also recovered and their vehicles found in Hexham and Wylam.

The men had been used what are called “sit-on” style kayaks, more associated with leisure trippers rather than serious kayakers.

It is believed they were last seen in an area known as Devil’s Water, near Corbridge.

Northumbria Police said their investigation would continue and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Inquests will be opened and adjourned at noon tomorrow (Thursday, May 15) at the Coroner’s Office in Saville Street, North Shields.

Meanwhile, friends have continued to pay tributes to the men.

Mr Bradley had been one of the first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters in the North-East and a friend praised his drive and enthusiasm for the sport.

John Atkin, owner of Newcastle-based Advanced Fighting Centre, who had known him since his 20s, said: “Gavin was into everything, not just his martial arts. He was a lovely man who always needed to test himself and push himself.

He added: “Hew was loved by members of the club – he was always looking for the next challenge and kayaking was his next challenge.”

Mark Thorpe was a driver for Westoe Taxis and had recently got married to wife Kerry. They have a 16-year-old daughter.

His older brother Darren was married and he was also a father.