'Enjoy the countryside and respect the work people do to preserve it' is the message from police after a number of incidents with fires and gates.

Reports of damaged gates, gates being left open and fires left unattended in woodland have been received by Bridport Police in recent weeks.

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "Over the last few weeks there have been an increased amount of issues around the area with footpath gates being left open, damaged or taken off the hinges. It is not known why, but please remember that if livestock are able to escape their field, particularly close to main roads, this can have very serious consequences.

"I would also like to remind people that gates shouldn't be climbed on/damaged for this reason, but also because it could result in criminal damage.

"There have also been reports of fires being lit and left unattended in woodlands around Beaminster. Please be aware that even if you think you have put fires out, in hot weather they can easily reignite and cause a lot of damage.

"Please enjoy the countryside we are lucky to have in this area and respect the work that people do to farm and preserve it."

This comes after farmer Andrew Frampton called on people to close gates behind them after 50 of his cows escaped near Broadwindsor earlier this month.