Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Brits have been warned not to use ordinary or ‘knock-off’ eclipse glasses as more than 90% of the Sun is blocked over the UK on August 12.

Two men were hospitalised after a fight broke out at a Co-op store in Bournemouth.

The solar eclipse this week will be the deepest partial eclipse for many years, with the last one back in 1999.

A major New Forest fire sparked a day of chaos across Hampshire after a van fire on the A31 spread into more than 100 hectares of heathland.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to crack down on vape shops and betting stores to help revitalise the high street.

Add these five plants to your garden to keep rats away, as they do not like strong smells such as lavender and garlic.

With most eclipse glasses sold out across the country, a pinhole projector offers a simple, homemade alternative to safely view the rare event.

The A31 remains closed in both directions as fire is contained. Latest updates as we get them.

On September 9 at the PIG hotel, James Aldred will be talking about his new book, A Wagon In The Woods.

A survey found 31 per cent of drivers faced with parking fees of £20 to £30 for a day at the coast would either leave immediately or pay once but never return.

Clinical, digital and nursing teams at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) have created an electronic alcohol withdrawal assessment.

£10,000 in funding came from The Roger Raymond Charitable Trust and was awarded to YMCA Bournemouth’s Move-On Project.

The Wimborne Gardening Club is calling for last-minute entries for its Late Summer Show next month

The 26th Annual Duck Race to be staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom will take place on the River Allen on Saturday 29th August 2026 at 3pm.

Hammersley Homes is celebrating a highly successful three days at the New Forest Show

A Dorset charity is helping families of disabled young people prepare for a major life transition.

Dacombes of Wimborne took home three awards at the 2026 IER Awards, including Best Overall Independent Retailer Focused on Sustainability.

The annual Ride and Stride in support of Dorset Historic Churches Trust takes place on Saturday 12th September from 10am

The Tank Museum’s popular Warhorse to Horsepower exhibition will close on August 31, after 12 years on display

Marcus, who began volunteering at Poole Waste Not Want Not (PWNWN) community shop in December 2024, has secured a job with Rockley Park Haven.

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”?