A DRIVER says he owes his life to a lamppost which stopped his car rolling on to the A127 after it was catapulted into the air.

Les Walker, 46 from Laindon said the metal pole was the only thing that prevented his car from landing in the path of oncoming traffic on the busy dual carriageway.

The Underground worker said his car was sent hurtling into the air after he struck a deep dip in the road at Gardiners Link, Basildon.

He had to be cut free from the wreckage and spent four days in hospital.

Mr Walker may now take legal action against highways chiefs at Essex County Council over the dip that he blames for the crash.