Emotions ran high on Saturday as members of the heavy transport industry turned out in numbers for a truck convoy along the Warminster bypass to celebrate the 70th birthday of Martin Phippard.

Mr Phippard, who worked as a salesman at Volvo Truck and Buses for 30 years, is a well-respected member of the heavy transport industry, selling trucks around the world and building up contacts with all of the editors of the trade magazines.

In October last year, the Warminster resident was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the rapid onset of the illness has left him unable to speak and terminally ill.

Close friend Richard Paterson, of Bulk Solutions, Melksham, decided to organise the truck convoy as a tribute to Martin, with the route going from the BP services on the Warminster roundabout to the Longleat roundabout and back.

Mr Paterson said: “It was fantastic and went unbelievably well. We had about 87 trucks in the end and we did a special book with all those who came recorded in there along with their vehicle.

“There were quite a few grown men reduced to tears and it really couldn’t have gone any better. Martin was overwhelmed by it all and it gave him a real lift.”