Jason Pateman, aged 38, from Milton Road North, Kingsley, was using the toilet when a car crashed into his newly-built extension causing him much distress.

His wife, Darleen, called the police and when they came round the next day, Mr Pateman recognised one of the officers immediately.

He said: "I saw her face and I knew straight away it was my cousin Charlotte.

"The last time I saw her was at a family event in 1993.

"My parents split up a while ago so we don't see my dad's side of the family very much.

"It was a bit of a surprise to say the least.

"It really made my day, I'm so happy."

The Patemans' story appeared in the Chronicle & Echo on Tuesday after they told how a Volkswagen car had crashed into their wet room extension.

The building had only just been completed for Mr Pateman and his daughter, also called Charlotte, who are both disabled.

Before the visit by the police, both Mr Pateman and his cousin had been living in Northampton without their paths crossing.

The chance meeting has also put Mr Pateman in touch with his uncle, who he had also not seen for 15 years.

Mr Pateman said: "We exchanged all our contact details so we'll not lose touch like that again.

"My uncle Paul has invited us over to his place, so we'll go over there for a barbecue or something and have a bit of a knees-up."