THE county council has said it would talk to Tom Jones' family about calls to rename the Sabrina Bridge in Worcester after him.

A petition launched online to rename the footbridge 'Jonah's Bridge' after Tom, whose body was found in the River Severn last week, has been signed by nearly 7,000 people.

The 18-year-old vanished on a night out just two minutes' walk from his university accommodation on September 19, after last being seen near the Sabrina Bridge.

His disappearance sparked a major search which sadly ended in the discovery of his body on Friday.

Hundreds of well-wishers gathered on either side of the bridge on Sunday for a candlelight vigil in Tom's memory.

Worcester News:

Now Worcestershire County Council, which owns the footbridge, has said it would be willing to discuss the possibility of renaming the bridge with Tom's family.

A spokesman said: "Our thoughts are very much with Tom's family at this very sad time.

"We are aware of the suggestion to rename Sabrina Bridge. Before considering the proposal we would want to talk to the family."

The petition was started by Tom's childhood friend Harley Hetherington, who also launched the 'Find Jonah!' Facebook group after Tom's disappearance.

He wrote on the Change.org page: "The Sabrina footbridge in Worcester is named after a Celtic goddess. Why not rename it to 'Jonah's Bridge' after a legend that sadly lost his life by the bridge?"

To sign the petition, click here.