The Lord Mayor of Leicester has offered his "deepest apologies" after his trousers fell down at an educational event for schoolchildren.

Councillor Colin Hall was at Southfields library – known as the Pork Pie library – to take part in a Global Education Summer Showcase.

Pupils from three local schools were present, and when he stood to give a vote of thanks his trousers came loose and fell.

The incident happened yesterday morning.

In a statement, Coun Hall, 46, said: "Whilst giving a vote of thanks, I suffered a problem with my trousers.

"Unfortunately, I had chosen not to wear a belt and the trousers came loose and fell.

"I would like to offer my deepest apologies to anyone who was offended by the accident."

Coun Hall is hoping to shrink his waistline during his year of office with the help of fitness guru Rosemary Conley.

He currently weighs more than 16 stone and wants to lose up to three stone by next May. He is walking to many civic engagements and has changed his diet.

Coun Hall recently hit the headlines after choosing to stop the tradition of saying prayers before full council meetings, and choosing not to attend a civic service at the city's cathedral.