A driver caused 'extensive damage' to a 100-year-old building near a High Wycombe farm shop after crashing into it on its owners' birthday.

Laceys Family Farm in Lane End has had plenty to celebrate this year – named Best Farm Shop/Deli in the county by Muddy Stilettos in May and scooping four prizes in the summer’s Good Taste Awards.

But, despite last weekend marking twin owners Will and Ed's 36th birthday, they had more to be concerned than happy about – with an unwelcome visitor ploughing their car into the farm’s honesty shop early on Sunday morning, October 6.

Will said the driver had come off a nearby road and “caused extensive damage” to the 100-year-old building where customers leave money in a box when they want to pick up Laceys’ milk, cream and eggs outside opening hours.

He added: “Incredibly, the driver was able to get out of the car unscathed and was taken home shortly afterwards.

“Our farm team worked hard throughout the night to assess the damage and demolish the remaining parts of the building safely.

“Thankfully, our main shop and butchers were not damaged, and we've remained open for our normal hours.”

The 36-year-old described the incident as a “sobering reminder to drive safely on our roads, particularly as weather conditions become more challenging” – especially in the wake of an unprecedented number of multi-vehicle crashes on the M40 and A404 over the last week.

Will and Ed at the SME MK and Bucks Business Awards in June (Image: Lacey's Farm Shop)READ MORE: Opening date revealed for new café near High Wycombe train station

Will and Ed are the fifth generation of the Lacey family to run the hybrid farm, shop and butchers in Lane End.

The site in its current form was founded by Percy Lacey with a three-Guernsey-cow herd back in 1936 and has since become an important part of the village’s fabric, providing locals with pastries, deli products, bread and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Speaking to the Free Press this summer, Will thanked the wider High Wycombe community for their continued “support and encouragement” – and shared an insight into the enterprise's future under his and Ed’s helm.

He said: “Farming isn’t the easiest industry, but we’ve benefited so much from selling directly through our shop.

“That’s definitely the growth area we’re focused on right now – expanding the range of food we can sell and making better use of all our high-quality produce. We also just can’t keep up with the demand!”