Olympic rowing hero Steve Redgrave got the tribute he deserved from the county council thanks to sneaky tactics from Conservatives.

The Tories were furious that they were not allowed to put forward two motions recognising the achievements of Henley's rowing heroes and the town's rugby club.

Henley Conservative councillor George Sanders tabled a motion for the county council meeting, to pay them a public tribute, and congratulate Henley Rugby Football Club on its 70th anniversary, he was told he was out of order.

After taking advice from officers, the chairman of the council, Cllr Dave Green (Lab), advised him it was against the rules.

So, at Tuesday's council meeting, 12 of them took their revenge by mentioning Mr Redgrave at every possible opportunity. He made history this year by claiming his fifth Olympic gold in Sydney in the Coxless Fours and there was also success for the Men's Coxed Eight and the Women's Quad Sculls.

Cllr Jerry Dempsey, referring to five-term years in schools, said: "I wonder if the introduction of five-term years would have any effect on children wishing to go and watch the Olympic heroes at the Henley Regatta, or indeed watch the excellent Henley Rugby Club?"