Firefighters and police officers were called to a charity shop this afternoon - after a barometer containing mercury was smashed.

Three women were checked over by medical staff after they inhaled toxic fumes at the Hospice in the Weald store in Mount Pleasant.

Ambulance crews, police and firefighters cordoned off the area at about 12.45pm.

The official guidelines for mercury spillage is to call the fire service as it can potentially be hazardous when inhaled.

The shop was evacuated and paramedics checked the three woman over, but none were found to have suffered any dangerous effects.

Nick Farthing, Weald of Hospice commercial director, said: "The fire services arrived with breathing apparatus and bags as the spillages has to be removed in a safe way.

"The shop is now back open and we would like to say how much we appreciate any donations we receive and welcome new ones."