A DRIVER destroyed a green BT cabinet before smashing into a tree outside a fire station in Bolton.

A man thought to be in his fifties lost control of his Vauxhall Astra Estate in Crompton Way at about 12.30am this morning and veered off the road, taking out the green BT cabinet.

He then careered into a tree directly outside the Bolton North Community Fire Station.

Crew members heard a loud bang and ran out to help the man who had managed to safely escape from the damaged car without injury.

Police were called to the scene and breathalysed the driver but he successfully passed the test and was allowed to leave.

The badly damaged car was later recovered.

A spokesman for the fire service confirmed that the tree outside the station is still standing.