A flood alert is in force in Dorset as the county prepares for a miserable weekend.

The Environment Agency (EA) has warned that the River Frome is at risk of flooding between Dorchester and Wareham, with "unsettled conditions" possibly leading to rain over the next few days.

Residents are being urged to take care near the river while the flood alert is in place.

An EA spokesman said: "River levels can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."

An update on the situation is expected on Saturday.