Car crashes into marquee at Burnhams flower show and carnival

A village carnival and flower show was overshadowed when a car, which had a note with instructions on how to drive it stuck to the dashboard, crashed through its main marquee.

Officials were assessing exhibits for the Burnhams event when the incident happened at around 11.30am yesterday.

At least one person was hurt, though none of the injuries were serious.

But the marquee, and the displays inside it, were closed off to the public for safety reasons, though the rest of the show continued as planned.

The tent was also used for music events planned during the rest of the weekend.

Show secretary Diana Black described the incident as "heartbreaking" but acknowledged it could have been much worse.

She said: "We were astonished and hugely relieved that there were no fatalities or serious injuries but it was very distressing that all time and effort of the contestants who had entered the competitions in the marquee was virtually ruined.

"We were also sorry that the locals and visitors were deprived of the main part of what is normally a wonderful and important community event.”

Following the crash, a note was subsequently found in the car, a Toyota RAV4, with instructions on how to start it.

Mrs Black said: “It was an accident, but when I saw that note I was in disbelief and started to feel angry - if you need written instructions, surely you shouldn’t be driving."

Police are investigating what happened and considering what action to take, if any.

Inspector Lou Provart, of Norfolk Police, said on Twitter: "A traffic offence report has been completed and will be submitted for consideration of any offences based on the facts gathered at scene, including the note."