The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has made it clear that the option of naming the new Cowes floating bridge “Floaty McFloat Face” is definitely still an option.

Residents are being given the chance to name the new floating bridge, which will come into operation in may and it curently registered as Floating Bridge Number 6, via the council's Facebook page.

Floaty McFloat Face had been vetoed by council officials, but speaking on Tuesday, Councillor Dave Stewart said: “When my Administration says we’ll ask Island residents what they want to call the new floating bridge, we mean it.

"If Floaty McFloat Face is out in front in terms of popularity, that suggestion will not be vetoed by officers.

"Today our cross-party Executive unanimously decided to overturn any decision by officers to rule out Floaty, or any other suggestion provided it isn’t offensive.

Residents have until noon on April 7 to make suggestions before the top six are picked and put to a public vote.