A LARGE tree fell across a road near Wareham this morning, completely blocking the highway for around two-and-a-half hours.

The tree was reported down in Bere Road shortly before 9am.

Police attended the scene, close to the Silent Woman Inn, and the road was closed in both directions from Wareham to Westminster Road.

Council workers used cutting equipment and an industrial shredder to clear the tree.

It had been growing in a drainage ditch at the side of the road and one theory mooted at the scene was that the recent wet weather may have caused it to topple over.

No-one was injured in the incident but a steady stream of drivers were forced to turn around and seek alternative routes.

The road fully reopened around 11.30am.