FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze on Parley Common near Ferndown on Thursday.

Four fire engines and four off-road vehicles were sent to the scene following a call to the fire service just before 4.30pm.

Thick black smoke could be seen around the surrounding area while the crews battled to get the fire under control.

They used eight hose reel jets and four main lines to extinguish the fire, which spread across an area measuring around 400 square metres.

Parley Common nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to some rare heathland species including the smooth snake and sand lizard.