AN HISTORIC bridge was damaged after it was struck by a lorry in North Dorset.

The incident involving a HGV happened at Trill bridge, near Fifehead Magdalen on Friday.

The road was closed while the vehicle was recovered, a major operation which took some time.

Police were called to the bridge, which goes over the River Stour west of Shaftesbury, at 12.17pm.

The force said the vehicle was stuck and needed to be recovered.

No-one was injured.

An eyewitness said the HGV was carrying a heavy load of steel when it struck the bridge.

He said one side of the Grade II listed bridge had fallen into the river Stour and pointed out there was a 'no HGV' sign at the junction of Trill Lane with the B3092.