Watch: 'Gorilla' helps direct traffic to cheer up motorists in Watford

Traffic jams can bring out the animal in us, but one dad went a step further, unleashing his inner gorilla.

Dad Lee Chapman donned an ape costume in an attempt to ease traffic on gridlocked roads in Watford, Hertfordshire, and to cheer up frustrated drivers.

Roadworks in the area meant temporary traffic lights had to be set up, but motorists began getting aggravated as they caused "havoc". Temporary lights on Hagden Lane in the town were said to have been poorly synchronised - with other lights causing long queues to back up past a junction during the multi-week works.

What drivers did not expect was a man in a full-body gorilla costume directing them around the lane closures.

Although he has now revealed his identity, 55-year-old Mr Chapman initially asked to remain anonymous, quipping that there are so many roadworks in the area that his services would be in such high demand that "everyone would want a gorilla".

Puzzled but amused drivers responded to the stunt by cheering as they passed and honking their horns, with some turning back to get a second view.

Electrician Lee's wife, full-time carer Sally Chapman, said her husband had donned the gorilla suit to bring some cheer to the miserable drivers stuck in traffic.

The 47-year-old mum-of-two said: "Lee put it on because the traffic was bad and everyone kept beeping at each other and getting angry. So he thought he would make it a little more fun and put the gorilla outfit on. Everyone loved it.

"Cars were honking their horns and people were turning around to come through the lights again to video him. People walking were taking videos and selfies with him... It definitely cheered up the day."

One local who witnessed the bizarre scene commented that it is "not every day you get a gorilla in Watford".