SWIMMERS were evacuated after a fire at a leisure centre in Dorchester. 

Alarms sounded this morning at 1610 Dorchester at around 10.45am. 

Everyone in the facility had to be evacuated whilst firefighters attended.

Three fire engines from Dorchester and Weymouth were called to tackle the blaze in the plant room.

The problems in the plant room were caused by an unexpected failure with an air conditioning unit, which led to smoke.

The building was evacuated in the interests of public safety but there was no fire.

The equipment has since been made safe and the pool and fitness room was reopened this afternoon for a synchronised swimming event to take place. 

The rest of the centre will be reopened fully on Sunday.

However, customers are being advised that some group exercise classes may be affected while 1610 resolves air conditioning issues in other areas of the centre. 

Contractors will be checking and testing the air conditioning systems.

Hamish Cherrett, general manager of Dorchester Sports Centre, said: "Our staff are fully trained to deal with situations of this sort as safety has to be of paramount importance.

"Staff were drilled in evacuation training just last month so they reacted calmly and professionally and directed everybody out of the building while fire officers investigated the problems with the smoke from the plant room.

"We will keep customers updated on our 1610 website about any further developments and we would like to thank them for their patience during this difficult time and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

For further information about Dorchester Sports centre please visit www.1610.org.uk