RESIENTS have been allowed to return to they homes in Dorchester after being evacuated due to a gas leak.

Southern Gas said that all but a small number of the 31 evacuated Fordington homes had been checked and are safe for residents to return home.

Many decided to stay with relatives and friends as the news came late in the evening.

SGN say they will contact remaining residents directly when they have completed their check to allow them back home.

A statement said: "We know this has been a worrying situation for those affected and we want to thank residents for their patience while emergency services and engineers carried out these important safety checks."

Anyone with concerns or need further information can contact SGN on 0800 912 1700, or Dorset Council's out of hours customer services team on 01305 221000.