Bridport and Dorchester were two of six crews battling a large barn fire in Pymore in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).

Both pumps and the water carrier from Bridport, along with Beaminster Fire Station were sent to the fire in Pymore Lane just after 1am.

On arrival, crews found the barn well alight and further assistance was needed from Charmouth, Maiden Newton and Dorchester.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Crews used multiple main lines to bring the fire under control and prevent spread to adjacent buildings, one with solar panels on the roof, and to protect a cattle shed with livestock inside.

"Due to the amount of hay stored in the barn, approximately 900 tons, crews carried out a watching brief and kept the fire under a controlled burn.

"A further assistance message was sent requesting a manitou digger from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to attend at first light to help remove the hay from the barn so that it could be extinguished.

"At 6am crews handed the incident over to a five pump relief crew who will continue to extinguish the fire."