A TRACTOR driver was freed from his cab after his machine brought down power cables near Dorchester.

The incident between Charminster and Piddlehinton, which happened just after 3pm on Saturday, closed the C13 old Sherborne road and left about 20 people without power for several hours.

As cables came down onto the tractor, the driver was advised to stay put until the power could be isolated.

Firefighters worked with the electricity board to make the area safe so the driver can be released unharmed. He was freed around 4.30pm-5pm.

Southern Electric said about 20 people were without power until 12.35am on Sunday.

A spokesman said the priority was getting the person out of the cab of the tractor safely before engineers could begin to repair lines and restore power.

The company apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their patience.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews from Dorchester and Maiden Newton to the scene as a precaution but two returned to station once information was gathered at about the incident.