Driver reverses into butcher's shop

But nine days later he has been left counting the cost of damage after a driver accidentally reversed through the window.

The drama unfolded at Norton Village Butchers in Burntwood Road, Norton Canes, just after the 21-year-old businessman had waved goodbye to some customers.

He said: "I just saw something out of the corner of my eye and then I thought, he's getting a bit close and before I knew it, he's gone through the window and hit the counter, which is the only thing that stopped him.

"He's was an elderly chap, it's just one of those things but it has happened just as the business is beginning to take off.

"I had to run out and turn off the ignition, it was all a quick flash. I think he was reversing, but he seemed to carry on in a horseshoe shape and I think he just slipped and kept going in to the shop."

Mr Moore, who has worked in butchers shops since he 16, says he has had to throw away all the meat that was on display in the front of the shop and he was initially worried about being able to sell the £1,100 delivery he took this week, as the front of the shop had been destroyed. The accident happened just before 2pm yesterday.

The driver, in his 70s, who was driving a silver Rover 618 was taken to Stafford Hospital as a precautionary measure and police said his injuries were not serious.

Mr Moore said: "I didn't speak to him, my dad spoke to him, I was a bit wound up and in panic mode, it was all a quick flash and it was over, but he did apologise."

"It was lucky there was no-one in the shop, someone could have been seriously hurt or even worse. I don't know how it happened, he could have been going for the brake, because I think it was an automatic and he maybe hit the accelerator by accident.

"It hit the door and pushed out the window and then took out the counter."

Former Gentleshaw Primary and Chase Terrace Technology College pupil Mr Moore said it will be business as usual after the police told him it is structurally safe. He has vowed to make sure he keeps his busines open to support his 13-week-old daughter Mia and his partner, 21-year-old Sophie Robinson.

He said: "I have been able to get the door working again, and the window is now boarded up at the front. I have to use one trade counter now instead of the two.

"I have had people coming in saying the business is lovely, I just want to let them know I will still be open as usual.

"It looks bad having it all boarded up outside, but I've got a sign and the blind out to let people know I am still here."