FIREFIGHTERS tackled a chip-pan blaze at a popular pub near Christchurch on Tuesday evening.

More than 10 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus spent more than an hour putting out the fire at The Lamb Inn, on Burley Road, after an industrial chip pan caught alight.

Two engines initially arrived from Christchurch, and a further two were sent to the 18th-century coaching house, near the New Forest, one from Springbourne and one from Redhill.

Dorset Fire revealed that there was fire damage to the range in the kitchen, the extraction unit and the flat roof as well as extensive smoke damage to the rest of the property.

Signs outside the pub said it was closed until further notice.

A spokesman at the pub admitted the kitchen was damaged, but insisted it would be ready to open again by Monday at the latest.