Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Fire crews remain at the scene of the New Forest wildfire for the sixth day- updates to follow.

As a small business owner in Bournemouth, I am deeply concerned about the future of our town centre and the growing number of independent businesses that are disappearing.

A man has died after falling from a height at an address in Bournemouth.

A charity craft fair has raised £555 to support good causes.

Holidaymakers have been urged not to cancel trips to the New Forest as tourism chiefs reassured visitors that businesses across the area remain open despite the ongoing wildfire.

Non-profit community initiative Beachwise, in partnership with RNLI and hosted by BCP Leisure, is offering water safety and in-water self-rescue sessions

Hampshire County Council to begin New Forest road closures from 17 August 2026 for up to 18 months due to roadworks. See full list of affected roads.

Aldi is supporting its charity partner, Freedom4Girls, in calling for more supermarkets to make free period products available in store toilets.

The Filo Project in Devon has supported more than 5,000 people since it began in 2014 and has expanded its services to nearly 100 groups. including ones in BCP

Sereno Lounge will open on Cheap Street in Sherborne on Wednesday, September 9, offering an all-day menu and a welcoming atmosphere for the whole community.

Children from Tops Poole attended a performance of the stage adaptation of The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Lighthouse Poole

A Parkstone care home resident took part in a race around Poole Harbour to fulfil her special sailing wish.

Branksome Heights Care Home in Bournemouth has received the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award

The South West Model Show, hosted at The Tank Museum in Bovington, will take place on September 12 and September 13.

Celebrate Wimborne Minster’s culture at a live concert on September 19. Enjoy music, local footage, and support the Minster Makes Music appeal.

Montgomerie Rise in Barton-on-Sea offers 27 two-bedroom apartments at social rent, developed by housing association VIVID in partnership with AJC Group

This weekend sees the release of a science fiction film, a comedy film, and a film based on a celebrity chef, alongside other films in cinemas across BCP.

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council for towns within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, is calling for legal protections to ensure all NHS dentistry funding is spent as intended

First Ever PorkFest Sets New Standard as Dorset Community Raises Major Funds for Looseheadz

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.

SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?