All Saints Church in Mudeford and its contents were destroyed in a fire on Thursday 14 July.

At the height of the blaze, fire crews were on scene from Christchurch, Springbourne, New Milton, Redhill Park, Westbourne, Ferndown, Poole, Blandford, Swanage and Hamworthy, together with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, and additional supporting appliances from Hamworthy, Wareham and Christchurch.

The incident was scaled back at approximately 11.40pm, and firefighters remained on the scene until 3.30am the following morning to dampen down.

Group manager Stuart Gillion said: “This fire has had a huge impact on so many in the community, both those who used the church and those who live nearby. As a service, we will do whatever we can to support them through the coming weeks and months.

“A full investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. We do believe it started accidentally, but we will have more information once the fire investigation is complete.”