Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A new wave of line dancing and country themed nights are seeing a huge boom across Hampshire and the New Forest and are set to land in Poole this week.

Dorset coroner issues next of kin appeal for Colin James Caldow, 68, who died in Bournemouth. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900 with info.

Dominic Glen, branch manager at Poole insurance broker Howden, warned that the current situation has left homes and land vulnerable.

Poole's new M&S Foodhall is set to open next week.

Record numbers of hedgehogs have been brought into a Dorset rescue centre as hot, dry weather continues to take its toll on the animals.

Weekly trading slots are on offer for small businesses at the Best of Bournemouth Christmas Pop-Up Shop, located in the Bournemouth Christmas Market.

SCROOGE, a brand-new adaptation of A Christmas Carol created especially for Swanage, opens at The Mowlem this December.

Colm McKavanagh from Wimborne will collaborate with Salamander Cookshop for the Wimborne Food Festival on September 19

Barratt David Wilson Homes has contributed a total of £357,506 to charities across Dorset, Hampshire, and West Sussex, as part of its community support efforts.

The annual Upton in Bloom Horticultural & Craft Show returns to Upton Community Centre on Saturday, August 15, promising a vibrant display of talent.

BH Live is celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted as a finalist in the Healthier Communities Award category at the ukactive Awards 2026.

National Racehorse Week returns from August 22-August 31 and will include more than 85 open days, including more than 21 events across south west and Wales.

A couple who state they were scammed by dodgy dealer Mark Lowe have opened up about the ordeal which saw them lose thousands of pounds.

Carers from Upton Bay Care Home in Hamworthy completed a sponsored skydive, raising £4,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society after jumping from the skies on August 1.

We are all looking at the straw coloured grass at the moment, but gardeners know that however bad things look, as long as the roots are ok, they will survive.

Betty and the Yeti will run at Lighthouse Poole from October 24, to October 30, and features a 50-metre woollen scarf, hand-knitted by the Crafty Ladies.

Children in Dorset took part in Julia’s House Children’s Hospice’s Big Teddy Takeover during Children’s Hospice Week, expected to raise more than £7,000.

AFC Bournemouth has been named the most expensive team to follow home and away in 26/27 Premier League season

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England, visited Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) to meet with participants in the Being a Boy project

The Dorset Education Conversation, organised by Poppy Parmar-Phillips, will take place at Rockwater Branksome on Wednesday, August 26 at 5:30pm.

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”?