A hard-working teen who spent a year saving for her dream car has been left heartbroken after it was badly damaged in a hit-and-run smash.

Natalie Doughty – who only passed her driving test a month ago – was travelling to a firework party on Saturday night with her friends when her Peugeot 206 was hit.

The 18-year-old had been stationary waiting for other cars to pass as she turned into Manston Court Road, Manston, when the vehicle drove into the back of her.

But before she was able to confront the driver, they drove off, leaving her at the side of the road, badly shaken and with a damaged car.

Her father Michael, of Hereson Road, Ramsgate, said: “By the time she had pulled over and got out of the car they had sped off.

“She’s distraught, she only passed her test on October 3.

“She had friends in the back of the car and they are all suffering from back pains. The boot of the car has been crushed into the back.

“We’re waiting to find out what the damage is, but I think it will be a write off.”

Natalie, who attends East Kent College in Broadstairs, has been working at a jewellery shop in Westwood Cross to pay for the car.

Mr Doughty said: “She’s been saving for a year and the insurance for a young driver is very expensive, even for a car that’s worth £900.

“We’ll probably have to start looking for another one for her.”

Mr Doughty said he went to the scene of the crash and found a broken grille which he believes came from the other car.

“I think it could be a Vauxhall,” he said.

“We’ve contacted the police and we’re hoping they’ll be able to find the driver. My daughter has a black box in her car so that will show she wasn’t moving when it happened.”

Natalie had been travelling along Manston Road and turned into Manston Court Road at around 6.50pm when the crash happened.

Mr Doughty said: “Hopefully someone saw something and can help.

“She’s very upset about what happened, especially as she has only just started driving.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, reference 05-1149.