Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

The children dressed as spiders, beetles and ladybirds for an ugly bug ball at the Poole school on July 20, 1999.

A serving officer from the Dorset Police force has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a Public Office and Data Protection Act offences.

Armed police were deployed to a train station following reports that two men had been seen carrying suspected firearms in Poole.

A New Forest farm shop has been recognised among the world’s top food and drink producers after winning four awards at this year’s prestigious Great Taste Awards.

Finalised concept designs have been released for revamps at eight play spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, costing more than £1.4 million.

The council is going to considering a motion to address traffic congestion and air quality.

Dedicated patrols targeting poachers and hare coursers have been launched in Dorset.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A WEST Lulworth building could be changed into a seasonal hot food takeaway.

A PLANNING policy clash could scupper plans to convert a Sherborne hotel into extra care apartments.

A developer’s bid to turn a tiny garage in Sandbanks into a two-bedroom home has been rejected.

A banana plant has fruited outdoors in a Poole garden, an understandably rare occurrence which is thanks to this summer’s soaring temperatures.

Morebus suspends services in Turlin Moor following bus window incident

Children have been accused of terrorising a Ferndown suburb with a slingshot, with residents warning "this cannot continue.”

The Green Party has joined calls for BCP Council to release a list of all its owned and leased land and properties.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are being invited to help shape the future of heritage in their communities.

A Dorset teenager has graduated from the Army Foundation College and is set to join the Royal Artillery following in his older brother’s footsteps.

A dedicated road safety volunteer has been honoured for his long-standing contributions.

Ten students have returned from a life-changing sailing adventure aboard a 72ft ocean-going yacht.

A Facebook group has been created to help motorists retrieve their cars on the A31 after the heathland fire forced them to abandon their vehicles.

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”?