Crawlin' from the wreckage - singer makes it to gig after crash.

A punk folk band with a big following in Okehampton were celebrating not only the 'miracle' survival of their lead singer following a high-speed crash on Haldon Hill - but also his dedication to his art. Despite major bruising and shock, he managed to play three sets at last weekend's Teignmouth Folk Festival.

Matt Brown, who is a member of Chudleigh-based Eat The Rich, crashed near Winning Post Services at about 4.50pm on Wednesday.

He ended up rolling the car - a Saab - and coming to rest on the verge . Three fire crews from Exeter and Bovey Tracey used hydraulic cutting equipment to free him from the wreckage of his car.

Matt, who was born in Paignton and went to Westlands School in Torquay, said: "It's a miracle I am still alive. I have some pretty spectacular bruising but I didn't break anything. I can't believe I walked away from that crash. The firefighters couldn't move the car or me because of the way I was lying, so I was trapped inside the car for an hour while they cut away around me."

He was taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for a check up, but was released in time to perform at the gig.

"I probably shouldn't have done the show but our fans are very supportive over the past few years, so I thought I'd better step up. I just got through on adrenaline," he said.

Friend and bassist Neil Pratt said: "We are all mucking in to ferry Matt about and get the gear from one place to the next. We are just grateful it wasn't any worse."

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: "The car was on the verge near the service station. One man was trapped inside. Crews released him and left him in the hands of the paramedics."

Eat The Rich are well-supported in West Devon - their drummer, Eddie Kingdom, lives in Okehampton - and a number of locals were at the Festival to support their favourites.

Report from This is Devon