Holidaymakers are being told to avoid a popular Dorset beach after a large fire broke out.

Approximately 90 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze in the Studland area, which has led to the suspension of local ferry services today (12 August).

Emergency teams are currently assisting visitors from the area, as long queues of traffic are reported in nearby towns and villages.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is urging the public to avoid the Ferry Road area, and 'stay off the heath'.

Group Manager Brad Stevens said: “The fire affects an area of around 200m x 200m, and is generating a lot of smoke. Anyone in the local area who is concerned should keep doors and windows closed.

"Our crews are fighting the fire on all sides, using multiple jets and beaters, and National Trust staff are using machinery to create a fire break.

“Anyone who is currently on the peninsula will be able to leave via the chain ferry, which is running one-way with passengers towards Poole only.

"This will be very busy as the evening goes on, so people are asked to be mindful of the potential delays and prepare accordingly.”

More teams are en route to the fire this evening.

Christchurch fire station has sent a high volume pump to assist with firefighting efforts.

The station tweeted a picture of two vehicles on the the Sandbanks Ferry, which has been shuttling fire teams to the area and bringing stranded tourists back.

One eyewitness told ITV Meridian that the smoke appeared at around 1pm this afternoon (Friday 12 August).

Wayne Dyson, who was on nearby South Beach at the time, turned around to see 'black smoke' further down the boardwalk.

“I was on South Beach, we looked around at around 1pm, and we saw a plume of black smoke," he said.

“My first thought was I hoped everybody was okay. I was concerned about the flames and smoke - it just got bigger and bigger. I could see it by Ferry road in the distance.

"We checked the news to see what was happening and then realised that the heath was on fire. The grass is tinder dry here so I understand how it spread so quickly."

The blaze has led to the suspension of the Sandbanks Ferry, which is unable to run services to the Studland peninsula.

The company is urging motorists and foot passengers to avoid the area.

Emergency services have been using the ferry, which is taking crews over to Studland bringing back stranded tourists.

The company said: "Ferry Road is closed due to a large fire in Studland. Emergency services are only letting people off the Studland Peninsula - the road is completely closed on the Studland side."

Local bus services have also been disrupted due to the blaze.

MoreBus, which operates services to and from the area, is now only running a shuttle service between Studland and Swanage.

The route will run hourly, and passengers are being advised to take the shuttle for 'all' journeys.

The operator said: "We will be running a shuttle bus once an hour between Studland Village and Swanage.

"ALL passengers should take the shuttle to Swanage for onward travel to Poole and Bournemouth. Please allow extra time for your journey."

Motorists in the area are being told that access to Studland is restricted.

There are road closures in place to protect the public and to allow fire crews to tackle the blaze.

Police closures have been put in place on the B3351 junction with Swanage Road, Ulwell Road and Knoll Beach.

Purbeck Police issued a statement on Facebook which said: "Ferry road, Studland closed due to large fire near the ferry terminal.

"Access to Studland is restricted with road closures at Ulwell road, B3351 J/W Swanage road and also closed at Knoll beach."