A LOWER Wick shop has successfully reopened after a car crashed into its side in April.

The manager of the store has also told the Worcester News a shop assistant injured in the crash has returned to work.

Ian James crashed his VW Polo into a brick wall on the side of Co-op, in Canada Way, on Saturday, April 9, after suffering a stroke.

The 77-year-old, and a shop assistant in Co-op at the time, were both taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital following the incident. The shop assistant was treated for leg injuries and discharged from hospital the same day, while Mr James spent five days at the hospital.

Immediately after the crash the shop had to be closed with the area where the car went into the store fenced off to the public.

In the weeks after the incident workmen on the site rebuilt the wall that was demolished, and repaired the shop.

While work was carried out, Co-op ran a pop up shop outside the store, providing customers with essential goods.

The store reopened on Thursday, May 7, after the wall was rebuilt, and features a new kiosk, shelving, and tills.

Store manager Miles Plummer said: "The pop up shop was one of the most successful Co-op has ever had.

"We would like to thank all the customers for supporting the store and to welcome them back to our freshly refurbished store.

"They could have just left us, but there are great people in Lower Wick."

Mr Plummer said the injured shop assistant has been doing better, and been able to return to the store part time.

Mr James, who has been recovering at his bungalow in Westmount Close near to the Co-op since the incident, has previously told the Worcester News his "gut feeling" was he would never drive again following the crash.