THIS was the dramatic scene in Beer last week after a car crashed into a garden wall and the village s 18th century water pump.

THIS was the dramatic scene in Beer last week after a car crashed into a garden wall and the village's 18th century water pump.

The green Saab car careered off Long Hill and allegedly damaged a number of cars parked on the street before it came to its resting place- lodged in between Shepherd's Cottage and the pump.

Amazingly no one was hurt following the incident which happened last Friday at around 11am.

Steve Lee, who lives in Shepherd's Cottage, witnessed the aftermath. He said: "I heard a big bang- it sounded like a bomb.

"There was further banging and crashing and then it suddenly stopped."

Steve helped the driver out of the car and firefighters administered first aid on their arrival.

Part of Steve's stone wall was knocked down but the most significant damage was caused to the pump, which lost about half of its stone cladding.

They say every cloud has a silver lining which certainly proved true for Steve, who found out his house insurance had not been renewed.

He added: "It has done us a favour! We still thought we had cover so at least now we have renewed it in case something else happens."

PC Steve Speariett, Neighbourhood Beat Manager, said: "Fortunately nobody was injured in this incident although substantial damage was caused to several cars, garden walls and the historic pump."

Repairs were only carried out on the pump a couple of years ago after it was hit by a bus. A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said engineers believe the pump is owned by Beer Parish Council and the details of this incident have been passed over to parish councillors.

* A 46-year-old man from Beer has been charged with driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He is due to appear at Central Devon Magistrates' on December 1.