A PENSIONER was taken to hospital after crashing his car into a fast food takeaway in Darwen.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene outside Roosters on the A666 near Borough Road shortly after 11.20am yesterday.

The man, believed to be in his mid 70s was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital via an ambulance.

The driver’s Mazda Tamura was recovered by police after the car smashed into the shop front.

The vehicle damaged the shutter and shattered the shop’s window.

A North West Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the driver complained of lower back pain and the hospital was informed of the incident before his arrival.

She said that there was no major trauma.

No pedestrians were hurt in the incident and it is believed that the driver was alone in the car.

The takeaway’s owner, Qumar Akhtar, said: “I was inside the building prepping everything for the day when I heard a loud bang. I came outside and saw what had happened and I went to help the driver.

“The emergency services arrived and he was taken away in a stretcher.”

Nadeem Nisar, who owns the building, said: “This incident will cost me around £12,000 because of the damage.

“It will also hit the business because they will not be able to use that section of the shop for a while.

“This was an accident waiting to happen and somebody’s needs to do something about the traffic situation around this road.

“There are too many parked cars that can cause problems or confusion.

“There needs to be a proper review of the system here.”