DRIVERS are being made aware of a slow moving and wide abnormal load which will be escorted through Wiltshire tomorrow.

An excavator on a low-loader is due to leave Torr Works quarry off the A361, near Shepton Mallet, at 8am and will travel along the A361 eastbound, before joining the A36 at Beckington.

It will then follow the A36 all the way to the A303, where it will travel westbound with a police escort until the county boundary just west of Mere.

The load will measure 4.6 metres wide, 4.85 metres high with an overall length of 26.5 metres and gross weight of 144 tonnes.

A police spokesman said: "Due to the size of this excavator, it will be slow moving and have the potential to create congestion.

"Wherever possible disruption will be kept to a minimum but hauliers and motorists are asked to please be patient if they come across this load.

"Anyone travelling over this period to catch a flight or meet appointments should allow sufficient additional time.

"Regular updates and travel information in respect of this abnormal load will be passed from the control room at Devizes when appropriate to help motorists plan their journey.

"Police escorting resources are being provided by volunteer police officers on rest days, paid for by the haulier at no cost to the public."