FIREFIGHTERS worked to prevent a thatch roof blaze from spreading after it flared up last night.

Part of the roof of the cottage in Winterborne Whitechurch was destroyed but Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said it could have been much worse as the fire could have spread to neighbouring properties.

Prompt reporting of the fire and effective work by crews at the scene prevented further damage.

Fifty firefighters in eight engines from across Dorset were involved in the incident which was reported to the brigade at 5.40pm.

The occupier and a neighbour tried to extinguish the fire themselves with a hosepipe before crews arrived.

Firefighters were alerted to Rose Cottages in Lower Street where the thatch around the chimney of one of the properties was alight. Fire engines blocked the lane which runs from Winterborne Whitechurch towards Winterborne Kingston and the A31.

Crews were sent from Poole, Blandford, Wareham, Hamworthy, Bere Regis, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, and Dorchester. Incident commander Sean Blizzard, pictured, said it is believed sparks from embers in a wood burner within a property set fire to the thatch.