POLICE are this week appealing for witnesses to a road accident which claimed the life of a young van driver.

Andrew James Proudlove, aged 22, died in the crash at Barthomley near Alsager on Monday.

Mr Proudlove came from Heath Avenue in Rode Heath, and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

He worked for his family's Floral Express wholesale flowers business, which is based at the Radway Green Venture Park in Alsager.

The accident happened at midday at Barthomley where the A500 meets junction 16 of the M6 motorway.

A white Fiat panel van which was being driven by the young man was in collision with a tanker.

A Staffordshire police officer said it is believed that at the time of the accident the tanker driver was coming around the roundabout under the motorway.

He said the van was in collision with the tanker as it was approaching the roundabout.

The van is also believed to have struck a lamppost, and following the collision with the tanker it came to rest on its side.

The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The A500 was closed for more than four hours by police, and diversions were put in place to try to reduce congestion.

Police investigating the fatal crash are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

Anyone who can help is asked to ring PC Mick Sturland at Newcastle Police Station on 01782-717071, or ring their local police station.