The man who died in a crash after he is said to have swerved to avoid a mattress on Blue Bell Hill has been named.

Clive Mauger, 69, from Chatham, died at the scene of the accident on Monday, January 30.

His silver Peugeot 206 came off the Maidstone-bound carriageway and smashed into trees.

The retired security guard was going to visit a sick friend in Maidstone when he is said to have swerved to avoid a mattress that had fallen from another car.

He leaves behind four children and two grandchildren. An inquest into his death is due to be opened tomorrow.

The incident is thought to have happened near the Shell petrol station just after 4.30pm.

The road was closed until 11.20pm to allow officers from the serious collision investigation unit to carry out inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to it is urged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference DS/DH/21/17, or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk