A DRIVER who crashed their car into a village hall causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage managed to get out of the vehicle and run off.

Horrified locals were woken by the noise of the crash at Great Elm, between Mells and Frome in the Mendip district, at around 1am on Friday (July 14).

By the time they arrived on the scene, the driver had disappeared, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

A huge hole was smashed in the side of the building, while brickwork was scattered inside.

Scaffolders are being called in to prop up the building to prevent it from collapsing.

Anand Seegobin, chairman of Great Elm Village Hall Committee, said the car had come from the Mells direction.

He added: "It didn't get round the bend and took out the chain fence, hit a tree and knocked out about a third of the village hall.

"The driver ran off. The car wasn't taxed or insured, but it was MOTed.

"The builders are putting up scaffolding later today (Monday, July 17) or tomorrow.

"There's a big hole in the building and it's caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage.

"A lot of work will have to be done."

Mr Seegobin added that once the scaffolding is in place around two-thirds of the building will be safe to use.

"People in the village are horrified. It's crazy," he added.

"Whoever was driving is a very lucky person.

"I'm surprised they managed to get out of it and were able to run away."

Police attended the incident.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "We’re investigating after a car collided with a wall at the village hall in Great Elm, causing significant damage.

“A member of the public called police at 12.41am on Friday (14 July) to report the collision.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, as the driver did not remain at the scene.

“Enquiries into this incident are ongoing. If anyone has relevant information which could assist us, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223168100.”