DRIVERS are being warned to avoid the eastbound stretch of the A31 this morning after a five-vehicle collision.

Three commercial vans and two cars were involved in the crash between Poulner and Picket Post near Ringwood.

Emergency services was called to the scene following the smash at around 7.40am this morning and one person was taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

A police spokeswoman said the damaged vehicles had all been cleared but it would take a while for the heavy traffic to return to normal.

The Highways Agency are warning of delays of 40 minutes and say the road will likely be backed up until after 10.15am at the earliest.