A MAN who panicked while trying to avoid another car ended up causing more than £26,000 in damage by crashing into a Post Office.

Preston Crown Court heard that police found the Toyota Celica, which had been driven by Imran Khan, embedded in the Bastwell post office.

Khan 23, of Thornhill Close, admitted driving dangerously on Sunday, November 8 last year. He was placed on probation for a year with a condition that he attends a responsible driver's programme.

Khan was also banned from driving for three years and will have to take an extended driving test before being allowed on the roads again.

John Wilson, prosecuting, told the court the offence took place at about 1.30pm on Whalley New Road at the junction with Plane Street, where Mr Carl Watson was intending to turn right.

Khan approached at speed and in an attempt to avoid the car he drove off the road and into the Post Office causing a large amount of damage.

Russell Davies, defending, said Mr Watson had not indicated he was going to turn right. Khan panicked and lost control and did not apply his brakes and went straight into the Post Office.

Khan accepted he was travelling at about 40mph.

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