A lorry driver died along with his devoted dog when he crashed into a bridge on the A3.

Roy Drawbridge, 71, from Leatherhead, ploughed into a bridge after veering off the carriageway between Hook and Esher.

The father-of-three died as a result of his injuries with his German Shepherd Zack.

Roy was a lorry driver all his working life and was employed by Croydon based PF Whitehead for 38 years.

He was one of the first employees at the company and was a well respected professional driver.

The fatal accident happened shortly before the start of the evening rush hour on March 1 and there were massive tailbacks with traffic queuing in both directions.

Police diverted traffic through Tolworth and Hook after the dual carriageway was closed north and southbound.

Drivers were advised to avoid the road and the southbound carriageway did not reopen until 1am the next morning.

Fire crews were quickly at the scene of the crash, which happened at 4.55pm. The air ambulance was also called.

Roy was a devoted family man, a keen cricketer and gardener and also a sports fan. He was involved in setting up his local community centre 20 years ago and was a member of a snooker and darts team.

He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Pamela, who he had known for more than 50 years, and children Stephen, Gary and Amanda. He also had two grandchildren.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw the collision. Witnesses should contact the Surrey Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01932 569922.