Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A glass patio door was smashed during a break-in at a café on Napier Road.

After years of juggling 16-hour workdays, Verwood barber Conor Cutler left his day job to open Boony's Barbers on an industrial estate, creating a community hub built around family life and mental wellbeing.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has renewed its support for Ringwood Carnival, sponsoring the event for another year as organisers aim to raise £45,000 for charities in 2026.

RiversMeet leisure centre in Gillingham is investing £300,000 in upgraded changing rooms, new water treatment technology and improved pool facilities as part of a major refurbishment programme.

Six Wetherspoon pubs will slash all food and drink prices for one day only this week.

A horticultural show burst into life with more than 350 colourful entries.

History fans can now sleep among the tanks at an immersive theatre attraction housed within the world’s finest and largest collection of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles.

The medals of Harold Mortimore, the first man to command a tank in battle, are now on display at The Tank Museum.

Racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy are taking on a 120-mile hike to Bournemouth to raise funds to tackle violence against women and girls after his wife Carol and daughters Hannah and Louise were murdered.

Harry Redknapp is set to meet the man playing him in an upcoming film detailing the extraordinary moment when the then-West Ham boss brought a mouthy fan out from the stands to play as a substitute for the Hammers.

BCP Council will hold a by-election in Poole following the resignation of a Liberal Democrat councillor.

A man who bit and headbutted his heavily pregnant woman after her waters broke, leaving her “broken and bruised”, has been jailed.

We reveal which Dorset town has been named among the friendliest to retire to in England by World Atlas

Firefighters and gas engineers were called to Heron Court Road in Bournemouth after reports of a gas leak near Tesco. Crews attended the scene on Sunday evening while engineers worked to locate the source.

A vehicle fire closed a carriageway and saw flames spread to a nearby heathland, fire crews have said.

Verwood Rotary Club’s Rustic Fayre in Dorset featured BMX stunts, duck races and classic vehicles, raising funds for good causes. Nominations close October 24.

A lane is blocked on the A338 due to a car on fire - updates to follow.

HMRC is sending 311,000 letters to people who could be missing Home Responsibilities Protection, with successful claims averaging £8,000 in pension arrears.

Brave victim sees abuser jailed after coming forward

Wynsors World of Shoes is set to close 17 stores across the UK - see the full list of locations.

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”?