Volunteers have told of their sadness after a fire damaged a beauty spot and much-loved community space maintained by hardworking members of the public.

Firefighters tackled a blaze on Allington Hill, Bridport, at the weekend.

The area is looked after by volunteers from the Allington Hill, Cooper’s Wood and Field Community Group, who were sad to learn of the fire at the forest school area, known as Cooper’s Circle.

The group's Cathy Harvey said: "It was installed more than two years ago and has been a wonderful space for the local community for leisure and education needs.

"We are not sure if we are able to or want to repair the damage. Sadly, we know that wrens were nesting in the hedge and had become a wonderful habitat for wildlife. The area had been used for toddlers forest school, family activity events, bushcraft activities, birthday parties and wellbeing events.

"I would like to praise the volunteers who, over the past few years, created, maintained, restored and cleaned up the area."

Two fire engines from the town's station were sent to a fire at the beauty spot at 1.30pm on Saturday after a member of the public raised the alarm.

Crews used beaters, hay drags and a hose to extinguish the fire and dampen down any 'hot spots'.

The cause of the fire is unknown.