PASSENGERS and crew were evacuated from the Windermere ferry due to a fire onboard.

There was a multi agency response for the evacuation of the car ferry today on the lake.

The car ferry, which was understood to have had more than 80 people onboard, had a fire in the engine room.

Those onboard were evacuated onto other local ferries and tourist vessels.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service were transferred onto the ferry and carried out a full investigation and search of the ferry.

A casualty centre was set up to check over all from the ferry. Everyone was brought ashore safety and uninjured.

The other agencies involved included Furness Coastguard, Arnside and South Lakes Coastguard Rescue Team, Morecambe Coastguard Rescue Team, Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service, Ulverston Inshore Rescue, Windermere Lake Wardens, Lake District National Park Rangers, vessel engineers and Cumbria County Council.

Furness Coastguard reported that the fire service found a hydraulic leak which caused a small fire and plumes of smoke in the engine room.

The vessel was restarted and brought in and passengers were reunited with their vehicles.

Furness Coastguard said on its Facebook page: "We would like to thank all ferry-goers, passers by, local ferries and boats along with Cumbria County Council for their assistance and understanding in this large scale operation.

"We are glad to announce all persons were brought ashore safety and uninjured."

The B5285 road at Windermere was closed both ways this afternoon due to the incident.