GUESTS were evacuated from a restaurant and hotel on Saturday night because of a fire.

A fire crew from Swanage was sent to The Pig at Studland at 9.14pm after reports of a chimney blaze.

They found the chimney well alight and put the flames out using a chimney fire-fighting kit.

Damage was limited to the chimney and some light smoke damage to the first floor.

Diners and hotel guests were able to return at around 10.15pm.

In the wake of the incident, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service reminded people that chimneys should be swept regularly, at least once a year depending on the fuel used.