SOUNDS like a job for special branch.

When two tree surgeons were caught in a traffic jam caused by a fallen tree, there was only one thing to do - cut it up!

The huge, eight-tonne scots pine, weakened by rotting roots and recent high winds, had blown over and blocked busy Gravel Hill, narrowly missing shocked motorists.

Thankfully no one was hurt after it came down close to the Dunyeats Road junction, bringing traffic to a standstill.

By chance, Simon Williams and Ian Hall from, from Poole-based Aerial Tree Services Ltd, were nearby and quickly set about clearing a path.

Simon said: "We were about six vehicles behind when it came down. It was a 70-80ft pine, big enough to have flattened a HGV.

"A young woman with a family was driving the other way and she came within feet of hitting it.

"Drivers started to turn around, but as we were there we decided to start clearing it - it was no problem really."

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "It is fortunate there were these tree surgeons in the area and they were able to cut the tree into sections very, very quickly.

"This incident could have had far more serious consequences, and we would like to show our appreciation for the public-spirited way the tree surgeons acted."

Because of the quick response, the road reopened at 12.43pm, less than an hour after the drama started.

The police spokesman added: "Obviously, this is normally a busy stretch of road. It was completely blocked in both directions and large traffic queues built up very quickly."