REPAIRS have begun following a major blaze at an historic building.

Ten fire crews tackled a fire at a farmhouse in Toller Fratrum near Maiden Newton on Sunday night for more than three hours.

Crews from Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Beaminster, Bridport,Weymouth, Charmouth, Yeovil, Sherborne, Cranbourne, Verwood, Hamworthy and Weymouth were in attendance to bring the fire under control.

The blaze severely damaged the farmhouse, which dates back to the sixteenth century.

Villagers have spoken of their shock at the incident.

Johnny Vivian said that the scene was ‘shocking’ but it was a relief that nobody was hurt.

Roger Simpson, who owns The Old Rectory just off the site of the farmhouse, said he was woken by the blaze in the middle of the night.

He said: “It was a frightful affair.

“The fire brigade were very good and got the fire under control.

“The area was full of fire engines- in the field and down the road.

“They had to pump water from the pond. Water’s a problem because we’re on private water supply.

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to the fire at a private dwelling in Toller Fratrum at 3:23am on Sunday June 28.

“The first floor and 60 percent of the roof were severely damaged, with 70 percent water damage to the ground floor.

“A fire investigation is underway, and the cause is believed to have been accidental.”

DFRS confirmed that after a provisional assessment, the cause was believed to be due to unattended candles in a first floor bedroom.