WEST Dorset's community spirit was in full force after flash flooding struck the area, with locals and holidaymakers coming together for the recovery effort.
Bridport, Beaminster and Burton Bradstock were hit badly by torrential rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday.
Pictures show cars submerged in water, and some residents reported using buckets and sandbags in their homes to control the influx of water coming in.
Picture: Bridport Fire Station
Local businesses were affected, including Bridport Leisure Centre, Rockburn, West Bay Holiday Park and Groves Nurseries.
Posting on social media, Groves said it would need to close for the rest of the day as the shop has completely flooded and taken out the electrics.
Doug Fairlie, owner of restaurant Seagulls at West Bay, said: "We're okay. We managed to get an army of people from everywhere to help. We didn't have much chance to feel, I grabbed the broom and started sweeping. It was like two big rivers coming in It was lapping up at the front door, we had to dive into action. It was absolutely amazing - the teamwork and kindness. Little children were joining in - what a good atmosphere - just an amazing team effort.
"This is only the second or third time we have flooded in the 28 years that we have been open. There was so much water.
"I'm so grateful for the holidaymakers and volunteers across the road who helped us and saved the day and got absolutely soaked."
The Met Office predicted thunderstorms and heavy rain in some parts of Dorset throughout the morning, and West Dorset was hit particularly badly.
A visitor to the area caught up in the downpour said: "It started raining extremely heavily for about two hours and there was about eight to twelve inches of flooding."
Road conditions were poor, with very slow traffic on South Street, Bridport, as a result of flooding on the road. Drivers were also urged to take care on the coast road, as heavy rainfall flooded Burton Bradstock.
As a result, pollution warnings were issued for some beaches due to sewage.
A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "We are receiving multiple calls about flash flooding in the Bridport area.
"If floodwater starts to enter your home, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies."
Most of the water appeared to have cleared by early evening with no further issues reported on the roads.
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