COMMUNITY spirit was on full display following the aftermath of Storm Eunice which wreaked havoc across Dorset.

Winds of up to 90mph brought chaos with the railway network forced to closed, trees torn down, vehicles blown off roads, roofs ripped off buildings, routes shut, and many homes left without power over the weekend.

In light of the mayhem community spirit shone through as residents came out to help clear up.

Dorset Echo: Tree fallen in Verne Road, picture: Paul Velya

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Officers have stated they want to thank members of the public for their assistance as they responded to incidents relating to Storm Eunice.

“The force has been extremely busy and officers have stated that at a number of jobs they had attended they had benefited from members of the public stopping to assist.”

Two of those who helped clear storm damage were couple Abi Holt, 21, and partner 25-year-old Jack Haynes.

They were travelling to purchase some puppy food when they came across a fallen tree on the A356 near Dorchester, Mr Haynes had his chainsaw in the car from work and got about clearing the route.

Miss Holt said: “We could tell it might not have been cleared anytime soon as the council was busy that night.

Dorset Echo: Before and after of a road near Dorchester being cleared, pictures: Abi Holt

"Other people who stopped saw that we were cutting the tree down to clear the road so got out of their cars to help us.

“It was lovely to see that people we're willing to help us so the road was safe.”

Near Sherborne the A30 had become blocked on Friday at Bradford Hollow due to a fallen tree and a rockfall, which police said was ‘likely to remain shut for some time’.

However, thanks to 22-year-old Michael Calverley and five of his friends they managed to clear the road after two and a half hours work.

Mr Calverley said: “We were on the lookout for places to clear just to give a helping hand as the local authorities obviously had lots on their agendas that night.

Dorset Echo: Bradford Hollow blocked by a tree and rocks, picture: Sherborne Police. Right after being cleared by group of young men, picture: Michael Calverley

“My friends Tom, Callum, Toby, Matt, Max and I set out on a mission to try and help out by removing as much of this landslide and tree as we possibly could."

With some homes still without power on Saturday and Sunday Dorset Council sent out welfare vans to Verwood and Charminster offering free food and drink, as well as a way for people to charge their phones.

However, clear-up efforts could be hampered with the arrival Storm Franklin which is expected to bring further high winds throughout Monday with a yellow weather warning in place.