TRIBUTES have been paid to the tractor driver who |lost his life following the horror crash on the A35 Puddletown bypass.

Dennis Watts, from Bere Regis, died after suffering head injuries when his tractor was in collision with an articulated tanker.

The 45-year-old Belgian driver |of the tanker fled the scene and was later arrested by police in Dorchester.

People who knew grandfather and father Mr Watts, 56, said he would be sorely missed throughout the |village.

Mr Watts was thrown from his John Deere agricultural tractor when it was struck by the Belgium-registered tanker near Tolpuddle Ball.

He suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Dorset County Hospital’s intensive care unit, where he died on Tuesday evening.

Mr Watts is believed to have lived in Manor Farm Road, Bere Regis, with his partner Jean Percy and he worked at J V Farming near Dorchester.

J V Farming co-ordination and development spokesman Nick Finding said: “Dennis was a wonderful chap.

“This has left a very big void in our lives here and we’re all very cut up about it.”

One Bere Regis villager, who did not want to be named, said: “Dennis was very popular in the village, he was very community-spirited.

“Every year the school organises a fireworks display and he would always help out with that.”

The Rev Ian Woodward, from St John the Baptist Church, Bere Regis, said: “Dennis was well-known throughout the village and he will be greatly missed.

“Our love, our prayers and our help go out to his partner Jean and all the family at this time.”

Bere Regis councillor Peter Wharf said: “This is just a complete and total tragedy and I would like to express my sincere condolences to all concerned.”

Coun Wharf said residents in Bere Regis had ‘real concerns’ about the A35 on both sides of the village.

“There does seem to be an unusually high number of accidents both east and west of the village,” he added.

“The speeds along there just seem to be too high for the capability of the road in both directions.

“It was mentioned to the county council around 18 months ago. Nothing has been done and I think it’s time the issue was revisited.”

Dorset Police said the tanker driver involved in the crash hitched a lift to Dorchester.

Officers believe a couple in the Puddletown area – thought to have been in a silver car with a disabled badge – may have picked him up.

He was arrested at the station and is being questioned over the incident. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact 01305 222222.