A Worcester City councillor could have his name immortalised if an idea by a childhood friend comes to fruition.

Tony Hail wants a street in Worcester's new Diglis development to be called after veteran councillor Mike Layland.

The pair have known each other since they were young and grew up near the basin.

Mr Hail, of Cecil Road, believes that as his pal has done so much for the area and for the Faithful City as a whole, he deserves this recognition.

He said: "I think Mike has been a great servant of the city of Worcester. He has put a lot into the area, being particularly prominent in the redevelopment of Diglis.

"I think it is time we gave something back to him and naming a road Layland Close, or something similar, would be a nice way of doing that."

Coun Layland has been one of Worcester's highest profile council members for nearly 40 years. He was born at 15 Diglis Road just before the Second World War.

Many of the factories and houses have since disappeared, and he has recently fought for the redevelopment of the area. Work is now in progress for a scheme that will include 390 homes, shops, cafes, restaurants and a fitness centre.

Coun Layland, an Association of Independents member for the Nunnery ward was delighted by the idea. He said: "It is very nice to know that my work is appreciated and to have a road named after me would be such an honour - it would be very flattering indeed.

"My life started in Diglis and I've got some good memories, although there are a few bad ones, too, such as when my brother drowned in the basin.

"To have a road named Layland would mean a lot to the family."

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said the idea was "not impossible". He said: "If the developer or someone else puts it to us, then it is something the council would consider."