EIGHTY firefighters are currently battling a blaze on the edge of the New Forest.

Crews from Romsey, St Marys and others are supporting Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service at the thatch fire on Moor Lane near Whiteparish and Hamptworth.

Ten fire crews, 80 firefighters and water carrier units are currently on scene at Moor Lane, bordering the New Forest.

The fire was first reported at around 9.30am, and the scene has been scaled back. 

Fordingbridge was the first engine to attend, which is understood to have begun from a studio within the property.

The thatch cottage has been mostly destroyed by the blaze.