FIRE fighters from across Dorset and Hampshire are battling a large fire at a house in Fordingbridge.

Crews from Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Burley, New Milton, Dorset and Salisbury are in attendance at the fire in Fryern Court Road, Tinkers Cross, north of Fordingbridge.

The fire broke out at 3.58am this morning in an L-shaped building affecting around 30mx30m of slate roof.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said 50 per cent of the slate roof is damaged by fire while 30 per cent of the first floor is also damaged.

And 50 per cent of the first floor has been damaged by smoke and water although a salvage operation is in progress.

Crews used five jets and two breathing apparatus as well as an aerial platform ladder.

The incident is ongoing.