A grieving family has changed the minds of councillors who had opposed plans to name a bridge in memory of their beloved son.

Michael Scaife, 20, of Trelawney Avenue, Langley, drowned in August while swimming in the river with friends at the Myrke in Datchet.

His parents Mark and Sonia's request to name the bridge over the Myrke after Michael had been opposed by members of Eton Town Council. But last night a potent plea in person from Mr Scaife and his family persuaded councillors to withdrew their objection.

The family presented a petition with 2,600 names on it asking councillors to change their minds.

Their campaign was also supported by Slough MP Fiona Mactaggart, the Fire Service and the Royal Life Saving Society.

Eton's deputy mayor, Town Councillor Ron Lewandowski told the Scaife family at the meeting: "I'm a parent myself and I can only imagine what you have been going through. We all want to try and make sure something like this never happens again."

Mr Scaife told councillors he had been in contact with the Royal Life Saving Society and hoped to visit schools, warning young people of the dangers of bathing in the river. He felt naming the river bridge after Michael could be a part of this.

He said: "This is not so much a memorial as way of raising awareness.

"It won't increase visitors to the bridge but Michael's family and friends will always want to visit in his memory."

Councillors voted overwhelmingly to withdraw their opposition to naming the bridge after Michael.

Since Michael's death his dad has worked closely with the Environment Agency and the Royal Borough to improve safety on the site - with two lifesaving buoys and three improved safety signs fitted to the bridge.

The final decision about whether to name the bridge after Michael will be made by the Royal Borough's ruling Cabinet. But the reversal of Eton Town Council's decision removes the only opposition to the plan.

Mr and Mrs Scaife are pictured at a meeting of the Prince's Trust - where they presented a cheque in Michael's memory. He was closely involved with the organisation.