DEDICATED traffic officers came to the aid of a charity after a trailer full of jumpers came loose from a car travelling to a fundraising event.

Andy Pollard and Andy White, traffic officers for Highways England, were tasked to reports of debris lying in lane three of the M5 near Sedgemoor Services last week and were shocked when they found a box full of hooded jumpers belonging to the Riding for the Disabled Association.

The jumpers were on their way to the charity's national championships at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire when the box became dislodged from its trailer.

The officers closed off the motorway and called Lee Evans, team manager for Highways England in Sedgemoor to see if there was anything they could do to help.

Realising the championships were soon to be underway, Mr Evans made contact with merchandiser, Richard Hunter and organised for the jumpers to be collected at a service station.

Mr Hunter said: "What an amazing level of service, way above and beyond what anyone could have expected.

"A big thank you to all Highways England staff involved.”

The box was transferred through a number of patrol vehicles and Mr Hunter collected the hoodies at service station near Gloucester in good time to make one of the fundraising stands.

Rob Penney, service delivery manager for Highways England said: “We were really pleased to help out in this instance and to ensure that the owner was found.

“We pride ourselves on the service we provide to road users across the country, it was a good team effort, and we hope the championships are a success for all those involved.”