The families of a newly-wed couple from Northern Ireland who drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa have spoken of their devastation.

John Rodgers, 28, and his wife Lynette, 26, died after getting caught in a rip tide at Plettenberg Bay - six days after they walked down the aisle.

In a joint statement their families said they had been left devastated.

"It has come as a great shock to both the Reilly and Rodgers families to learn of the sudden and tragic events in South Africa, which has taken the lives of Lynette and John," the statement read.

"Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy."

The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered in shallow surf on Robberg Beach by a local man at around 6pm on Friday.

His wife's body was found around 200 metres away along the same beach, South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

Doctors tried to resuscitate the couple but they were pronounced dead.

Their relatives have requested privacy to grieve.

North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, who knows the family, said the close knit Co Down community would rally round to provide support.

He said: "I am very shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of this young couple on their honeymoon in South Africa.

"This is an absolutely tragedy and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of both the young man and young lady who have sadly passed away.

"For a tragedy like this to happen days after their wedding during their honeymoon is beyond words. My heart goes out to the grieving families and I trust and pray that the family may know God's help at this tragic time."

Lynette, was a physiotherapist from Holywood Co Down, and John, an office worker from Ballygowan, also in Co Down.

They tied the knot in front of family and friends at the First Presbyterian Church, Holywood, last Saturday.

The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to both families.

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has expressed his sympathies.

He said on Twitter: "Very sad to hear the tragic news of young Co Down couple who were drowned whilst on honeymoon in South Africa. My sympathy to their families."