An Ottery church has been left with a huge hole in its wall after a car crash.

Sidmouth Herald: St Anthony's Catholic Church in Ottery St Mary. Picture: Google MapsSt Anthony's Catholic Church in Ottery St Mary. Picture: Google Maps (Image: Picture: Google Maps)

Police were called at 12.30am on Sunday to Mill Street, Ottery St Mary following reports of a vehicle colliding with the wall of St Anthony's Catholic Church.

Haydn Banfield, 26, from The Signals, Honiton, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when above the alcohol limit.

He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 26.

A 26-year-old man from Ottery St Mary was also arrested but was released with no further action being taken.

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry IfeThe damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called by the police at 00.47 on Sunday after a car had collided with the corner of the church, causing damage and partial collapse of the roof.

"The two occupants of the car had left the area.

"Two appliances attended and we stabilised and then extricated the vehicle and building control checked the structure of the building.

"The footpath and surrounding area were closed for safety reasons. The incident was left in the hands of the police."

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry IfeThe damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry IfeThe damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry IfeThe damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4734. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: The damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4733. Picture: Terry IfeThe damaged Church of St Anthony in ottery. Ref sho 47 19TI 4733. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)