A STEAM traction engine has collided with the wall of a well- known Purbeck hotel today, but luckily caused only minor damage.

On a weekend which saw the Dorset Beer Festival in full swing, with many steam vehicles on display, the engine was travelling past the Bankes Arms in East Street, Corfe Castle, at around 4pm when it clipped the corner of the pub.

Dorset Police said the engine had come off worse in the collision, and there were traffic delays through the village while a recovery vehicle was called.

There were no injuries.

The manager of the Grade II- listed hotel said the crash had shaken the entire building.

“I was over the other side when it happened and wondered why everything started to shake,” she said.

“Fortunately it was only some of the stonework chipped and broken, and no-one was injured, that’s the main thing.

“It was a bit of excitement for a Sunday afternoon.”