A WIMBORNE hotel could reopen within days following a fire which damaged four rooms.

The Albion in the High Street was temporarily closed following the blaze, which started in an external compound separate from the property, at 4.20pm on Saturday.

Hall & Woodhouse Operations Director Matt Kearsey told the Daily Echo the cause of the fire is not yet known but praised staff for getting everyone out of the building quickly and safely.

He added: "For the safety of our team and guests we have closed the Albion whilst we check for any damage and clean the rooms. We are working hard to get the bedrooms at The Albion open as soon as possible and hope to open the main body of the hotel this week with the ground floor rooms opening once we have established what works need to take place. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes our guests."

Further information will be posted at facebook.com/1777albionHW and at theolivebranchwimborne.co.uk.