A HUGE fire broke out at an historic church in Mudeford on Thursday evening.
Onlookers watched on in shock as the fire raavaged All Saints Church.
More than 50 firefighters from across Dorset and the New Forest battled the fire throughout the night.
Read more: LIVE: Aftermath as fire tears through historic church in Mudeford
Residents took to the street to witness the drama as it unfolded.
Smoke billowing from the building could be seen by people from miles around.
Read more: 50 firefighters battle huge fire at church in Mudeford as people told to avoid area
This picture by Jonathan Kennett shows the smoke travelling across the water
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 8.08pm this evening, firefighters from Christchurch were called to reports of a property fire in Mudeford Lane.
"Once they arrived on scene crews requested extra resources and we currently have 12 fire engines, two water carriers and the aerial ladder platform on scene. Firefighters are using main lines to bring the fire under control and prevent further fire spread. Colleagues from Dorset Police have been requested to close the road.
"It is not clear, at this time, how the fire started."
The stop message for this incident was received at 11.10pm on Thursday night.
Firefighters remained on scene until 3.30am on Friday morning dampening down.
Fire crews were on the scene again on Friday morning.
The extent of the damage caused could be seen on Friday.
Read more: Fire service give full statement on Mudeford church fire
This picture shot on Friday morning by Ben Park shows the scale of the damage to the building.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here