A CHAPMANSLADE motorist lost control of his van in a snowstorm moments before he was killed in a head-on smash, an inquest heard on Monday.

Jan Boadella, 23, of Lodge Hill, died from head injuries after the collision south of Warminster on March 11.

Andrew Lee, of Bath Road, South Newton, told the Salisbury inquest he had been following a lorry as he drove home on the B3092 near Kilmington at around 6.30pm.

He said it was snowing at the time and although the lorry had pulled over for him to overtake he had decided to remain behind.

Mr Lee became aware of oncoming headlights as Mr Boadella's van came across the road and collided with him.

Mr Lee said: "From the time I first saw he was coming on to my side of the road was seconds. There was nothing I could do."

Drummond Modley, of Sparkford, Somerset, who was following Mr Lee, said: "There was a full snowstorm. The angle of Mr Boadella's headlights seemed wrong. Alarm bells started ringing."

Verdict: Accidental death