A van caught fire on the A35 near Bridport, leading to major traffic delays.

The incident took place west of Bridport, on the westbound carriageway between the Crown Inn roundabout and Miles Cross at just before 7.30am.

The vehicle was not cleared for a few hours and the incident has caused major traffic disruption in the area with queues up to the Esso garage and East Road.

Drivers were earlier advised to avoid the area.

The fire service said a van caught fire and spilt diesel on the A35. It was extinguished before a crew from Bridport Fire Station arrived.

A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said earlier: "One crew from Bridport was called to the A35 between Higher Eype Road and West Bay Road at 7.28am this morning.

"A van had caught fire but this had been extinguished before we arrived.

"Firefighters made the scene safe, including containing a diesel spill, and supported traffic management until the police and National Highways arrived.

"Highways are in attendance to manage traffic - avoid the area if you can."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report from the fire service at 7.31am in relation to a vehicle fire on the A35 Bridport bypass between West Bay Road and Higher Eype Road.

"Officers attended to assist with traffic management. The vehicle was recovered and police left the scene at around 10.35am."