A MARRIED couple described as “loving and devoted” died in a Boxing Day crash after their car hit a roadside ditch and crashed into a horsebox, an inquest heard.

John Forrester, 67, and Lesley Forrester, 58, were on the A436 near Stow-on-the-Wold, on the last leg of a Christmas trip to see family in Wales when they crashed head-on with the heavy-duty vehicle.

The impact caused the Banbury couple’s black Kia to spin across the road and the horsebox, which was carrying three horses, rolled onto its side.

Gloucester Coroners Court heard on Tuesday that the couple sustained “substantial” injuries and died at the scene.

Speaking after the inquest, the couple's son Michael Forrester said: "Dad was a loving father and grandfather and he was devoted to his family. He had just been to visit family.

"Mum was loving and kind. She was a valued member of the community, particularly at the school where she worked for 19 years."

Crash investigator PC David Langridge explained that part of A436 had “crumbled” away, leaving a gully 27 metres long and at some points 9cm deep.

Tyre marks showed the Kia dropped into the gully, suggesting Mr Forrester had tried to steer the car out the ditch, pulling them into the path of the horsebox.

It is thought the road had deteriorated because of heavy vehicles and severe winter rain.

A report found neither of the drivers had been drinking and a mechanical investigation found there were no problem with either vehicle.

Senior coroner Kate Skerrett ruled the couple died from multiple injuries from a road traffic collision.