A Rolls Royce and a Lotus were completely destroyed when fire swept through a domestic garage at Ringwood this morning.

Prompt action by firefighters prevented the flames from reaching the adjoining house.

The incident happened at The Close near to the town centre at just after 10am.

When two fire crews from Ringwood arrived they found the garage burning fiercely.

Watch manager Kevin Morrison, the senior officer at Ringwood, said that the building was a mass of flames when they pulled up.

"My firefighters worked extremely hard to stop the flames from spreading and thankfully there was only smoke damage to the house," he said.

The Ringwood firefighters, some wearing breathing apparatus, were soon joined by colleagues from Burley whilst police closed off the adjoining Mansfield Road and diverted traffic through Ringwood town centre.

The occupiers, retired couple Peter and Barbara Coles, were unhurt.

Mr Coles praised the efforts of the firefighters. "They were here very quickly and were magnificent," he said.

Mr Coles' son was at work when he got a call to say there was a fire.

"Thankfully everyone was fine and the only real damage was to the garage and cars that can be replaced," he said.