A BMW X5 was completely destroyed in a fire in East Dorset.

Firefighters were called to Christchurch Road in West Parley at 6.35pm on Thursday.

One crew from Ferndown attended and a spokesperson from the fire station said the vehicle was being “raced around a field” when the driver lost control and it became stuck on a compost heap.

A stop message was initially received at 7.17pm, however, by 8pm it was reported the fire had spread to a compost heap.

The spokesperson from Ferndown Fire Station added: “The heat of the exhaust set fire to the compost resulting in the car being destroyed by fire.”

The driver of the black BMW reported the fire which was extinguished using two hose reel jets.

The driver, who did not wish to be identified, told the Echo the work vehicle was being "tested for its off-road abilities" before it hit the compost heap and denied it was being 'raced around'.

"The fire started gradually. We smelled something burning from underneath, and within two or three minutes it was on fire," he said.

Firefighters left the scene just after 8.30pm.