An RAC employee got his career off to the worst possible start when he collided with a lamppost, a tree and a brick wall, as he left for one of his first assignments.

The RAC Auto Windscreens van made a shocking arrival on the doorstep of Carrol and Michael Arnolds Morden home last Saturday morning.

Mrs Arnold, of Seddon Road, told the Guardian: I was upstairs and I heard this terrific crash. Some bricks hit the house after the car swerved to miss a parked car.

We went out there and the engine was still running so we called the ambulance and police. He had only been on the job for a week and he only lives up the road but I dont know him. I should imagine the vans a write-off.

It was the second time in five years that a vehicle has strayed off course and come a cropper outside the couples house.

It was frightening. Were not very lucky in this location. Its an open house with no real protection from oncoming cars, it doesnt seem to be very well situated, added Mrs Arnold.

The driver, who had a lucky escape, was taken to St Helier Hospital, where he was treated for facial injuries and released.

An RAC spokesman said: Thankfully, neither the driver, nor anyone else, was seriously injured in the accident. We will, however, ensure that the damage caused to the property is rectified as quickly as possible. We take all accidents involving RAC colleagues seriously and will be conducting a full investigation.