A D-DAY beacon caused a large blaze after becoming out of control in high winds.

The incident happened in Ballard Down in Swanage after a D-Day event to remember fallen comrades.

Firefighters spent more than two hours working to extinguish the blaze.

Beacons across the UK were lit at 9.15pm on Thursday, June 6, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The fire had got so out of control a Unimog vehicle from Wareham was called to assist.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 9.34pm yesterday with reports of a fire in the open in Ballard Down, Swanage.

“Two fire engines from Swanage were mobilised and on arrival found a large bonfire, which had been lit as a D-Day beacon which was out of control due to high winds.

“Due to a lack of water supply, the Unimog from Wareham was also requested and the fire was extinguished using three hose reel jets.

“Our stop was in at 11:42pm.”