EMERGENCY services in Dorset said they have a 'very healthy supply' of fuel - as motorists continue to flock to garages to fill their tanks amid fears of a shortage.

Dorset is continuing to experience congestion at fuel stations amid delivery delays caused by a lack of HGV drivers, leading to some running out.

But emergency services have provided reassurance to communities that it will not impact on their services to the public.

Emergency services have all said they have ‘very healthy supply of fuel’ but noted they will ‘continue to monitor the situation’.

Wareham Fire Station shared their gratitude on social media towards Shell garage in Bere Regis and Co-op garage at Sanford for providing their fire engines with fuel in recent days.

Seth Why, area manager of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are working with partners across both Dorset and Wiltshire Local Resilience Forums to reassure residents and reduce panic buying.

“DWFRS are operating business as usual.

“We have a very healthy supply of fuel within our service and continue to receive deliveries from our suppliers. We will continue to monitor the situation.

“We would remind the public that there is no need to ‘panic buy’ fuel. You should only buy what you need, when you need it. Please do not store additional canned fuel at home, this is extremely dangerous.”

Dorset Echo: How petrol stations across Dorset have looked in recent days due to increased fuel buyingHow petrol stations across Dorset have looked in recent days due to increased fuel buying

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service Trust said there was no current impact on its services, and simply said: "We aren’t currently being impacted operationally by fuel problems."

Dorset Police say ‘there are no current concerns’ with fuel supply and urged the public to be mindful of traffic when queuing for fuel.

A spokesman said: “Dorset Police has well established contingency plans in place to ensure that its service to the public remains uninterrupted.

“There are no current concerns in relation to the provision of fuel.

“The Force would like to remind people not to panic buy as this can lead to roads being unnecessarily blocked by people queuing to buy petrol and diesel.”