Memorial game for Medway river death man 'Sonny P'

A football match is to be held between Kent Police and a group of teenagers in memory of 18-year-old man whose body was found in the River Medway in Kent.

The body of Sonny Pataria, of the Woodlands Road area of Gillingham, was pulled from the river in February 2009.

Officers from Medway police station will take on teenagers from the Woodlands Youth Centre in Gillingham in the Sonny P Trophy on 13 February.

It is hoped the match will become an annual event.

At an inquest, a coroner ruled Sonny's death had been accidental.

'Enjoyable event'

PC Steve Seal said: "Sonny was a popular, active member of the youth club and his death still has a big impact on those who attend the club.

"A memorial garden has been established in the grounds at the club, where members and family can go to reflect.

"The Woodlands team will be made up of young people from the centre, family, friends and a couple of Charlton Athletic Coaches, who run football training at the centre on Thursday nights.

"Hopefully this will be an enjoyable, on going annual event, which will help to build the good relationship we already have with the centre and the young people in the area."