BOSSES at a British brewery have praised staff after a Wimborne pub was damaged by fire.

Matt Kearsey, operations director at Hall & Woodhouse, said the team at 1777 Bedrooms at the Albion acted "superbly" during the blaze last Saturday, August 12.

The fire broke out in a laundry room and spread to a car parked outside.

Smoke was seen billowing from the hotel at the height of the fire.

Mr Kearsey said: "We know that the fire started in an external compound separate from the property.

"However, it is not clear at the moment what the cause of the fire was.

"Our team acted superbly in getting everyone out of the building quickly and safely.

"We would like to thank Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response and their immediate actions helped prevent the spread of the fire."

The hotel is currently closed after rooms were damaged by smoke, although it is expected to reopen later this week.

"For the safety of our team and guests, we have closed the Albion whilst we check for any damage and clean the rooms," Mr Kearsey said.

"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."

It is the second time the historic building has been damaged by fire. In 2009, the property - then known as The Albion - was one of several town centre businesses affected by a blaze.

The property, which dates back to the 17th century, was the oldest of four coaching inns in Wimborne - of which only two remain.

King George III once stopped for refreshments as he travelled to Weymouth.