A CAR crashed into the front of an Edwardian shop in Waterfoot after the driver lost control.

Shoppers were left stunned when the Silver Nissan Micra mounted the pavement and hit the front of The Curiosity Shop.

It damaged the window and a display outside the building.

The driver, a man in his 50s, and a passenger, were taken to hospital by ambulance but were not thought to be seriously injured as the airbags triggered.

The accident happened at 4pm on Monday.

Owner of the Curiosity Shop Marie Buckley said they were open for business as usual while repairs were being made to the shop window.

The shopfront is thought to be one of the area’s few remaining Edwardian frontages and was named the best shop front a few years ago by Rossendale Civic Trust.

Maries said: “It was quite a shock when the car came through the window.

"When I saw the airbags inflate, I hurried to help them but I was trapped inside the shop. When the paramedics came, I was able to get outside and fortunately no one was badly hurt.

“We hope to restore the shopfront to what it was.

Luckily the landlord is as passionate about the history as I am and we think we can repair the damaged wooden door.

"We’ll also have both windows repaired and use as much of the original timber as possible.”

The Curiosity Shop sells unique gifts including Betty Boop figures, clocks and lamps.