The sister of Alex Johnson says people joining the search for her missing brother has given them hope of bringing him home.
Alex, from Chester-le-Street , is believed to have fallen from the Tyne Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
His loved ones and friends gathered to search for the missing 24-year-old after an appeal went viral on social media .
His sister Ashleigh Marr, 29, has been at the river everyday looking for her brother.
She said: "I think this has just given us a bit of hope at the minute. Everyone feels so hopeless.
"For me personally, this is all I can concentrate on right now, getting him out of the water.
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"That is what I need to focus my energy on, by being here, doing something."
Ashleigh said her brother was wearing a green parka jacket, grey joggers and blue Nike trainers.
In a bid to bring him home, Alex's family asked for people to join the search on Saturday.
Heartbroken loved ones gathered at the Swing Bridge before spreading out to search the river, with efforts focusing on Byker through to Newburn.
Ashleigh added: "It is lovely to have everyone's support. Everyone has been absolutely great.
"Everyone has been amazing. There have been so many messages, especially on social media, sending us support and advice.
"It just feels like everyone wants to help us and that is all we can ask right now."
Caroline Symm, 27, runs the Blackhorse in Chester-le-Street where Alex drank and joined the search.
She said: "He was just a lovely, kindhearted, genuine person.”
Caroline said it was heartwarming to see so many people turn out to search for Alex.
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“I’m just really here to try and change the situation."
Anna Tait grew up with Alex and was joined on the search by her mum, Christine Tait.
Anna, 28, said: “We grew up together and we have all known Alex all his life. He was just a fun loving person with a huge heart.
“It is really emotional.”
Northumbria Police confirmed the force received a report of a concern for welfare for a man on the Tyne Bridge at 2.15am on Tuesday.
Inquiries remain ongoing, and Northumbria Police has urged anyone with information to contact 101 quoting reference number 60 16/04/19.
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