A historic pub whose facade was demolished by a speeding car will reopen at the weekend - as a drive-in.

Landlord Robert Scott and wife Maureen were asleep upstairs when the car smashed through the front wall of 14th Century Ye Olde Smugglers Inne at Alfriston, near Polegate, then reversed and sped away.

Although the front has been knocked through and the cosy bar is visible from the street, an engineering survey has found the Grade II listed structure is safe and can be repaired.

Mr Scott said he would hang a sign on what remains of the Tudor facade reading: "Robbie's Drive-In Bar - Get Smashed Any Time Day Or Night!"

The wry joke is a response typical of the popular couple who have run the pub for almost 30 years.

But the crash, at 3am on Wednesday, is the latest misfortune to befall them.

Earlier this year Mrs Scott lost the use of one arm through arthritis.

Mr Scott has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Their daughter, Dr Sharon Ney, said: "It has been a hell of a year but we're not giving up. We don't know who we've upset but we're thinking 'Can you stop this now please?'"

Reliving the moment of the crash, Mr Scott said: "We were sound asleep and didn't hear a thing.

"I woke up to hear someone coming up the stairs. The next thing I knew there were arms grabbing me and firemen telling me we had to get out of the building because it might collapse. It was terrifying."

The car, thought to be a Ford Sierra, was speeding down Alfriston High Street when the driver lost control and veered off the road.

Dr Ney said: "I burst into tears as soon as I saw it and Mum couldn't bring herself to talk to anyone.

"She was in shock and refused to leave the pub, even though it was dangerous.

"We've been here for 27 years and we love this place. It has a very special atmosphere and makes everyone feel welcome."

Mr Scott returned to the inn on Wednesday night and slept on one of the pub benches. He said: "I couldn't bring myself to leave the place empty. I wanted to be inside."

Repairs and restoration could take up to three months but Mr Scott hopes to reopen part of the pub by the weekend.

He said: "We don't quit. We just carry on - that's the only way.

"And we have a lot of support. The villagers have been absolutely wonderful."

Police hunting the driver have renewed their appeal for witnesses.