A HOUSE has had to be propped up after a car ploughed into it.
Structural experts believe only the reinforced window lintel prevented the council home on First Avenue in Hightown, Liversedge, from collapsing.
Retired wire worker Gordon White, 61, returned to his semi-detached property at 10.45 last night, just minutes after the crash to find the Austin Montego sticking out of the front room.
The vehicle had been heading down Second Avenue, but failed to negotiate a junction and careered straight through his garden.
Mr White will now have to endure weeks of disruption as workmen repair the property.
He drove home to find onlookers outside the house - and immediately feared for his 21-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Charlie.
He said: "I didn't have a clue what to think. I saw the car in the house, but was more worried about Charlie because he was in there on his own."
Fortunately Charlie managed to leap clear of the impact which left his little basket filled with rubble.
"We're still here and that's the main thing," said Mr White.
The car was unrecognisable after the impact.
"It was an Austin Montego - I know because I found the badge in my garden!" said Mr White.
He has lived at the council house for 41 years.
He has been a widower since his wife, Patricia, died five years ago.
Structural engineers inspected the council property until 3am today.
"I'm just in limbo while I find out what's happening now," said Mr White.
Next door neighbours Eileen and Colin Waterworth were watching TV when they heard the terrific smash that left part of their wall bowed inwards.
Mrs Waterworth said: "We didn't know what it was at first. We just felt the impact and came out and saw the car and it was just shocking."
An elderly man driving the car and his front seat passenger, a man in his 20s, were taken to Dewsbury District Hospital for treatment.
They were not badly hurt.
The cause of the crash is being investigated.
