The son of two leading councillors is among 18 Britons confirmed dead in the bomb attacks.

Clive John Walton, the 34-year-old son of Conservative councillors Jack and Lillian Walton, is one of the seven dead Britons who have been identified.

His parents - who have sat on Sunderland City Council since 1999 - were yesterday meeting British Foreign Office officials in Hong Kong.

They are believed to have left their home in Sunderland to travel to the Far East after learning the news on Saturday.

Mr Walton, a keen rugby player, was in the Far East with team-mates to compete in a local tournament.

A council spokesman said: "The City of Sunderland Council is saddened at the news of the death of Clive John Walton in the weekend tragedy in Bali.

"Elected members and officers extend their deepest sympathies to his wife, parents, councillors Jack and Lillian Walton, and their families in this tragic loss.

"Our sincere thoughts are with them in this most distressing time."

Mrs Walton represents the St Peter's ward, while her husband has a Fulwell seat in the city.

Mr Walton, described as a "beloved son of Lillian and Jack", leaves a wife and two sisters.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office warned that the death toll was likely to rise as an investigation continues.