FIREFIGHTERS today tackled a blaze one of Hampshire's top tourist attractions.

A crew from Alresford and two from Winchester were called to Alresford railway station on the Watercress Line at 8.30am after reports of a fire in a historic wooden carriage.

The carriage, used as a restaurant car, was parked close to the railway station buildings.

About a third of the carriage was wrecked by fire while the rest was seriously smoke damaged.

Station staff moved quickly to uncouple another carriage and move it away from danger.

A senior firefighter said the fire could have had serious consequences.

Watch manager Chris Roper said a locomotive moved the carriage away from the buildings.

"There was a danger that the fire could have spread to the station."

Six firefighters donned breathing apparatus and used two hoses and one jet to dowse the flames.