FAMILY and friends of a tanker driver who was killed when his vehicle fell from a bridge have collected 1,413 signatures in support of their campaign.

Mark and Janet Williams, from Darlington, are calling on the haulage industry to fit seat belts in all commercial vehicles.

Their son, Peter Williams, was killed last July in an accident in Wolsingham when the Calor gas tanker he was driving fell onto a railway line.

The cab was not fitted with a seatbelt. By law, belts are not compulsory in vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes which were registered before 2001.

On Saturday Mr and Mrs Williams were joined by Darlington MP Alan Milburn, who is backing their campaign.

Mr Milburn said: "There was tremendous support from shoppers.

"Mr and Mrs Williams are working hard to raise the profile of this campaign and I urge people to get behind them."

Mr Williams said: "We are determined to see this through.

"Nothing will bring Peter back but we will do anything to prevent another family going through what we have done.

"It is hard enough as it is but to know he didn't have the option of a seatbelt makes it even worse."

Mr and Mrs Williams will travel to parliament on June 11 to meet transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick.