TWO women were taken to hospital tonight (Friday) after the Jaguar car they were in left the road and smashed into the wall of Lloyds Bank in Skinnergate, Darlington, at 20mph.

Emergency services said it was fortunate that no passers-by were injured as the area was crowded with Christmas revellers.

Firefighters helped the ambulance crew assist the two women from the car before they were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital. One suffered whiplash injuries and the other leg or ankle injuries. The male drive was unhurt. The accident happened shortly before 8.50pm.