PEOPLE are being warned that releasing balloons on council land is banned as events are being arranged across East Lothian in memory of a baby who died this week.

East Lothian Council took to Twitter to remind residents of the ban which was introduced in February last year.

The tweet comes after the father of eight-month-old Koa Brock asked football fans to release balloons in his memory at the Old Firm Scottish Cup game in Glasgow on Sunday.

Earlier today a video tribute to the tot was posted on his dad's Facebook page, confirming he had passed away. The family are originally from Haddington but live in Dumfries.

Koa died after falling seriously ill after contracting meningitis. 

He had been on life support in hospital in Glasgow with parents Barry Brock and Haley Hamilton by his side. 

Barry posted a message on social media on Wednesday evening that said the couple's "wee warrior" would not pull through. 

He added that "before he goes he’s going to donate his organs to save the life of others.”

The 38-year-old added on social media that he had  been "overwhelmed” by the hundreds of messages of support. 

And as a tribute to the eight-month-old tot, Rangers fan Barry asked the club's supporters to release blue balloons as their Old Firm clash with Celtic kicks off at Hampden Park on Sunday. 

However, that plan has spread across the country thanks to social media, and balloon releases in memory of young Koa are now planned across East Lothian.

Tributes have been paid to the youngster on social media. 

Pat Lemmon, from Haddington, posted on Mr Brock's Facebook: "Barry, the pain you must both be feeling must be unbearable. . .life is so so cruel, our thoughts are with you."

County-based Hoi Barbers added: "We are all thinking of Barry Brock, Haley Hamilton and all the family at this heartbreaking time."

Many people have added blue balloons to their Facebook profile pictures to show support for the family. 

Meanwhile, a JustGiving page has also been set up to help the family, and Barry said he and partner Haley had been "totally overwhelmed" by the support. 

An initial target of £1,000 was smashed within hours and the current total sits at more than £7,000. 

Make a donation here

This weekend there are releases being arranged in Haddington and Tranent with more to follow.

However, East Lothian Council published a tweet warning against any events.

It said: "As the days get longer and people begin to enjoy going outdoors again please be aware of impacts that plastic litter can have on our environment. The release of balloons and sky lanterns from council owned and managed land is not permitted."

A council spokesperson said that while the local authority sympathised with the Brock family, the ban had been introduced to protect the environment and other forms of tribute were available.