A fire broke out at a disused church last night.

Firefighters rushed to St Peter's Church on Grove Road, Portland, shortly after 5.20pm.

Two fire engines were sent to the scene and smoke was seen billowing from the basement of the building when they arrived.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while firefighters tackled the blaze. 

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to reports of a fire in a place of worship.

"When crews arrived on scene it was discovered that the building was no longer used but a fire had been found in the basement of the property.

"Firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus, four hose reels and one main line to extinguish the fire."

The stop message, which indicates no further resources are needed, was received at 6.15pm.

Firefighters from Portland remained on scene dampening down.