A VAN driver is "counting his blessings" after strong winds brought a tree crashing down onto his vehicle in Minety this morning.

Warren Burton, 44, a self-employed tiler from Upper Minety, was driving on his way to work at 6am when the tree fell on his van.

Mr Burton said he had not seen the tree falling and was shocked when he came to a sudden halt.

“The next thing I knew glass had flown everywhere and I’m in ditch,” he said.

“The tree fell and shunted me into the left-hand verge.

“If someone had been on the right side of the road, I don’t think that person would be alive.

“I then struggled to get out of the car as it was at a 45 degree angle in the ditch.

“There was a motorist behind me who hit the tree as well.

“I made sure he was all right, rolled a fag and had cup of coffee, then called the police.”

“It was all a major shock. I’m going to be looking at trees in a different way, which is very hard when you live in the country.”

Though Mr Burton's insurance company are paying out for the vehicle, he is going to be left with a bill of up to £1,500 due to excess on his policy.

However, he says he will be “counting his blessings” tonight.

“It could have been worse,” he said.

“I could be dead.”

The tree subsequently blocked the road that runs between Minety and Upper Minety.

Wiltshire Council got to work chopping up the tree which lay across the B4696, however, due to its size, a tree surgeon had to attend to ensure it was removed safely.