A COMMUNITY is "rallying round" to raise cash for a man facing an expensive repair bill after a car careered out of control and ploughed into the front of his home.

Retired Frank Roberts returned from a night out to find a Nissan Micra embedded in his two-bedroomed terrace home in Lilly Street, Halliwell.

The former engineer had just spent £12,000 refurbishing his home and is now facing another huge pay-out after the hit-and-run crash.

But his neighbours and friends are now preparing to lend him a helping hand by holding a series of fund-raising events.

Staff at the Urban Care and Neighbourhood Centre (UCAN), based yards from Mr Roberts's home, described the incident as a "one off" and have pledged to do all they can to help.

Christine Walsh, volunteer project manager at the centre, said: "We are trying to work out some fund raising activities to help him out.

"He is one of the sweetest, kindest, loveliest men you could meet and what has happened is terrible."

Building inspectors were called to the scene after the accident and have supported the brickwork and ceiling with joists. Mr Roberts has now moved back home after staying with family. Witnesses said the speeding car missed a schoolgirl by inches before the collision. The driver fled after the crash.

Mr Roberts, aged 62, said: "I couldn't believe my eyes when I came down the road. Thankfully I was not at home when it happened. I could have been killed."

Police have confirmed that the car was not stolen.