Around 100 firefighters battled to extinguish a large fire at a patch of heathland in Purbeck.

Engines from 14 of Dorset's fire stations, including Weymouth and Bridport, were called to the blaze on Rempstone Heath near Swanage just before midnight last night.

Six land rovers, a Unimog and two water carriers were also called to the scene.

Around half a square mile of gorseland was alight. 

An investigation will now be carried out into what started the fire.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: "We were called at 11.57am and a stop message came in at 2.15am.

"Crews are still on the scene this morning dealing with hot spots and a fire investigation officer has been sent to assess the scene.

"We don't yet know what caused the fire."

The spokesman added that there was no threat to life or property. 

Swanage Fire Station posted on social media saying: "On arrival it was apparent it was a very large fire and it was being fanned by strong winds.

"Crews worked very hard to extinguish the fire and were helped by heavy rain."