FIREFIGHTERS have been battling a major blaze at a thatched property in north Dorset.

Crews from around the county have been called to a property at Batcombe Road, Leigh, near Sherborne, where they have been battling a fire since around 9.13 am.

Firefighters from Sherborne, Gillingham, Dorchester, Bridport and Yeovil have been in attendance since this morning, calling on further support from a water carrier crew and two further pumping appliance crews from Yeovil, Gillingham and Dorchester. 

The fire is believed to have originated in a chimney flue. 

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The thatch is being stripped away around the chimney to prevent ignition. Crews are using three hose reel jets, one safety jet, three ladders and working at height equipment."

Residents with thatched properties are being urged to take extra care when having open fires.

The fire service is asking people to check the loft space occasionally when the fire is alight to make sure there is no smoke leaking from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.

For more advice visit www.dwfire.org.uk/thatched-properties/