Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A man from Poole has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of raping a woman in her 60s on two occasions.

A man is wanted by Police in connection with the theft of a wacker plate, a heavy piece of construction equipment.

A national park authority is backing Forestry England's move to ban barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment on New Forest campsites.

The fire-damaged A31 will reopen with narrow lanes and a temporary 50mph speed limit in both directions once urgent repairs have been completed, the council leader has said.

The New Forest could take years to recover from the huge wildfire which has torn through its protected heathland.

Since opening its doors in 2020, 29 Spices has established itself as one of Bournemouth’s favourite destinations for authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine

On Sunday, September 13, Dorset Pet Cremations will proudly host Dogs Day Out at Verwood Memorial Hall.

A RURAL EVENTS lodge for a shooting estate near Cerne Abbas has been agreed by Dorset planners.

A  PROPOSAL to extend the burial ground at Cerne Abbas has been withdrawn.

A BID to confirm the lawfulness of installing a CCTV camera at the historic Cerne Abbey has been refused by Dorset Council.

A MAN has been found guilty of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence, attempted rape of a woman in Bournemouth, and multiple other charges.

Grade boundaries for AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, and WJEC have now been published for 2026.

Results Day 2026 freebies include free Zizzi pizza, Nando’s chicken, Moonpig cards, drinks, desserts and more. See the full list of deals.

Starbucks Rewards customers will need more Stars for free drinks, food and merchandise from September 3, 2026

You could be approving a card payment set up by a fraudster in this "dangerous" scam, Which? warns.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally HUS, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

Alcohol is proposed to be served in a bowling alley in Bournemouth

BCP Council has backed new government proposals aimed at revitalising high streets by giving councils greater powers to block vape and betting shops

Data could become a lifeline in preventing homelessness before a crisis point is ever reached

Plans for a further 65 homes on land where a 90-home development is already under construction have been approved.

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”?