A removals vehicle on its way to a job in Chesterfield left the M5, went down an embankment and came to rest on the edge of a farmer's field near Kempsey.

The incident happened at about 6.20am yesterday shortly after the empty truck, belonging to 5 Valleys Removals, had left its base in Gloucester heading north.

The driver and his two workmates were unhurt and no one else was involved. Police and the Highways Agency closed one lane of the motorway between High Green and Kerswell Green during the afternoon so that a recovery vehicle could be brought in to remove the removals truck.

Company owner John Powell said it was their first incident in the firm's 24-year history.

"We do not know how it happened. It is a relatively new vehicle.

"We are just grateful the guys are alright and no-one else was involved."