DRIVERS stuck behind a fallen tree on the A338 abandoned their cars to help clear the road.

The main road toward Salisbury was blocked in both directions after a tree fell near Bickton at around 1.55pm this afternoon, January 2.

Hampshire Council was alerted to the emergency, which caused tailbacks to Fordingbridge, but did not arrive in time to remove the obstacle.

Instead, neighbours, drivers and a passing fire crew worked together to cut down the tree and move its branches out of the road.

Salisbury Journal: Power tools were brought out to cut down the tree.Power tools were brought out to cut down the tree. (Image: Simon Lawrence)

The swift operation resulted in the road being cleared by 3pm.

Simon Lawrence captured photographs of the "amazing effort".