A SPORTS car driver ploughed into a gatepost after apparently swerving to avoid a fox.

Police and fire crews were called to Dales Lane, in Whitefield just after 8.10pm this evening (Friday).

The driver of the white Audi A3 was unhurt in the crash and was able to free himself from the vehicle.

But firefighters were called after witnesses reported seeing smoke, which was released on deployment of the airbag.

Tony Wellock, watch manager at Whitefield Fire Station, said: "The young man driving the Audi A3 two-litre turbo said he had been driving at 27 mph when a fox ran out in front of him, he swerved and went into a wall, where it got embedded.

"He is all right, but we were were called because of the smoke, but airbags give off smoke when they are operated. The front was quite smashed in.

"There were no injuries, he was more embarrassed than anything."

Firefighters disconnected the battery from the car as a precaution.

They were at the scene for about 20 minutes.