A HOTEL on Bournemouth' West Cliff had to be evacuated due to a fire on Sunday morning.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said three engines were dispatched to deal with a "fire involving electrical cupboard" in the Durley Dean Hotel in West Cliff Road at around 9.30am.

Eyewitness Bobby Gray, who is coincidentally director of Fire Compliance & Safety Bournemouth Ltd, said: "I heard some electrical appliance went up, there was a lot of smoke.

"There was some concern as a guy was stuck in a lift and the place was filling up with smoke. Someone from the brigade got him out. Everyone gave a big cheer when the guy came out."

Mr Gray said he was impressed with the hotel's fire safety procedures. "Very professional, I would have been proud of it."