Councillors in Gloucestershire sheepishly blamed the "warm room" after being caught falling asleep during one of the most important meetings in recent years.

Four councillors were spotted snoozing, including the deputy leader.

They were meeting after the county council ordered an independent review of children's services on Wednesday after "serious and widespread failures" were found.

Conservative councillor Rob Bird told the BBC he "didn't think he fell asleep", but added: "It was a very warm room, I think I might have closed my eyes for a moment."

He insisted he was "absolutely" able to perform his duties.

Ray Theodoulou said his heart medication made him "a little drowsy".

"Much as I would rather not discuss my medical issues in public, I have a serious heart condition, which requires me to take a range of medication," the Conservative councillor said.

"After five or so hours of meetings, that sometimes makes me a little drowsy.

"It doesn't make me sleep and I continued to listen throughout."

A Liberal Democrat was also seen getting a bit of shut-eye.

John Cordwell admitted he "might have nodded off very briefly, but I was aware of what was going on the whole time".

Labour's Graham Morgan told the BBC: "Those meetings drag a bit and I'm 66.