Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Dorset residents will be able to get a look at the solar eclipse taking place on Wednesday, August 12

A homemade video created by Total Guide to Dorset to help families safely experience tonight's solar eclipse has become an online sensation.

Fifty police chiefs have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to prevent the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers.

The New Forest has been hit by traffic chaos following the huge heathland fire that has broken out beside the A31.

Paris Orly Airport’s Runway 4 will be closed until December 17, affecting thousands of flights in the coming months.

Firefighters continue to tackle the health land blaze that started after a van caught fire on the A31 on Sunday (August 9). The road remains closed.

A group of volunteers has been named as finalists in the Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards

A commentary on the realities of growing up visibly queer in Poole, Things That Feel Like A Kiss is artist Danni Miles’s project to address issues of intimacy

Radio Wimborne’s first-ever Radiothon lit up The Square with music, laughter, and heartfelt community spirit on August 8

Bongo’s Bingo is bringing its Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun special to the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, with two Halloween-themed events lined up

Dancing Terraces is back for 2026 at Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 9pm.

Nearly 7,000 people attended Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) Proms in the Park in Meyrick Park on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8.

A property has been issued with a closure notice by police after repeated problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour.

Nimrod Way, Arena Offices' centre in Ferndown, first opened its doors in 2003 and has since become the foundation of a network of 12 centres.

A garden design studio in Poole has seen a 30 per cent rise in enquiries after industry award success and a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) showcase

Inspirational individuals have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to supporting young carers at the MYTIME Community Hero Awards 2026.

Oceanarium Bournemouth has announced the arrival of a Humboldt penguin chick at its Penguin Beach Encounter.

Bournemouth Water has asked customers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood and the New Forest to use water wisely following a prolonged heatwave.

Communities will soon have a stronger say over what opens on their high streets under new government plans

Jessica Toale visited Barbara’s Bier Haus to meet the team and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality sector.

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”?