A MAN and his dog were rescued from a burning New Forest pub early today.

Firefighters from across the area dashed to the Tollhouse pub – formerly known as the Monkey House – in Southampton Road, Lymington.

Crews from Brockenhurst, Lymington, New Milton, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu were called to the scene shortly after 4am.

The special equipment unit from St Marys station in Southampton was also summoned but turned around when it was realised they were not needed.

The crews had the fire under control in about 40 minutes.

This morning police had the pub taped off while an investigation into the cause of the fire was beginning.

Passers by could see blackened windows on the first floor which apparently suffered most fire and smoke damage