A LORRY driver escaped without injury when his vehicle overturned on Fish Hill and began to slip down a steep slope.

The articulated lorry, which was carrying fruit down the hill towards Broadway, left the road and ended up dangling down from the side of the A44, with its cabin partially blocking the road.

Eddy Vickers, the clerk to Broadway Parish Council, said the incident underlined the need for safety improvements to the steep stretch of road.

"The safety of Fish Hill is something that the council has been exercised about and we are in discussion with Worcestershire County Council about ways of limiting the speed of drivers."

Chipping Campden's fire crew was first on the scene at about 7.30am on Monday morning and helped to make the vehicle safe, before handing over to officers from Evesham.

Campden's leading firefighter, Andy Hillsdon, said: "The driver was not hurt in this incident and had managed to release himself before we arrived at the scene but he was clearly shaken up. The rear of the lorry was parallel to the road, at a right angle so the driver had a lucky escape.

"It is not the first time this has happened. Around every 18 months a lorry comes down the hill and takes the barrier off. It is on an adverse camber and it is important that drivers take the bends on this road slowly."

Police spokesman Richard Bull said that although the road remained open, West Mercia officers were at the scene until 2pm when the lorry was cleared.