Alistair Whillans was at the wheel of his red Toyota when it was the only vehicle involved in the accident in Weensland Road about 190 yards from the Bonchester Bridge junction.

He died at the scene and investigators are trying to establish if he may have taken ill at the wheel prior to the crash.

Mr Whillans, 63, had worked for Hunter the Bakers since April last year. Prior to that he'd driven for Murray Brothers knitwear and operated his own milk round.

Robbie Robson – the owner of Hunters, which has a staff of 12 – said they were all devastated by the death of the popular delivery driver – a married man with two daughters and three grandchildren.

Mr Robson told the Hawick News: "He was a jovial and happy chap. Everybody liked him and we cannot believe what has happened. He never complained about anything and on the day before he died he was telling us how much he loved the job.

"He was always rushing around but when you told him to settle down he just told us he wanted get the orders out to his customers. He was just great – we are all in shock and we will miss him greatly."

The accident happened around 6.15am on Saturday and police are appealing for witnesses.