THE closure of a main route in Dorset could affect the route of the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday.

Flooding has forced the closure of the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport, and there's still no indication of when it will reopen again.

The Highways Agency, which is inspecting the route every hour, says the ground is "saturated" in areas around Winterbourne Abbas.

An Agency spokesman says the road will reopen when it is safe - but more rain today has added to the problem.

The Olympic Torch Relay is scheduled to go down the A35 and pass through Winterbourne Abbas on Thursday afternoon.

Chairman of Dorset's Olympic Board Angus Campbell said: "All Dorset agencies are working closely with the Met Office, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency so that we can make decisions as quickly as possible on the route the Olympic flame will take.

"Our intention, where possible, is to use the published route but we do have alternatives in place."

Through traffic and heavy traffic is advised to use the A36, the A303 and the A30 while the A35 remains closed.