A YOUNG delivery van driver was badly shaken today after his van was blown off the road during the gale force winds.

Sean Pelling, 21, was on his way to deliver crisps to stores in New Romney, near Hythe, when a gust of wind caused him to swerve off the road into a water-filled ditch.

The incident happened at about 8am, about half a mile from Ivychurch.

Mr Pelling, who lives in Maidstone, said: “I was driving slowly because of the wind and another van even overtook me. A strong gust sent me sideways and I lost control and there was nothing I could do.

“The van is very light so it went over easily. It was just a big shock because I have never had an accident before.”

Nearby resident Mike Bartlett was called by a neighbour and rushed out to help.

Mr Bartlett, 54, of Bridge House Farm Barn, near Ivychurch, said: “The driver was very shaken but he wasn’t injured.

“I just stayed with him until the company arranged for him and the van to be picked up.”