Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Dorset shop has been named among the UK's top 40 fish and chip takeaways in the National Fish & Chip Awards

Dorset Greener Homes opens eco-friendly properties to the public on October 17, 18, 24 and 25, showcasing insulation, solar panels and low-carbon heating.

Coda Music and Arts Trust invites young people in Dorset and the New Forest to submit artwork for its ‘Play’ gallery exhibition in November 2026.

A new pub focusing on community and customer experience is set to open its doors this weekend at the former Brewhouse & Kitchen site in Poole.

The Clay Trail, which winds around the Purbeck Mining Museum in Dorset, celebrates the area’s clay mining history and wildlife.

Lindisfarne, fronted by co-founder Rod Clements, will take the stage at Lighthouse Poole on October 31.

Poole Park improvements begin October 5, with BCP Council upgrading Whitecliff Gate, paths, planting, accessibility and habitats for walkers and cyclists.

BCP Council cabinet will consider a preferred operator for Bournemouth’s vacant West Beach Café on September 30, after 13 bids; details remain commercially sensitive.

Over the past few weeks, we have heard repeated warnings about the serious financial pressures facing BCP Council.

Lighthouse Poole has announced that its Family Cinema strand will carry on thanks to backing from the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN)

Rockley is delighted to announce that they have been named British Marine Business of the Year 2026.

RNLI patrols at Sandbanks, Bournemouth West, Bournemouth East, and Boscombe East will finish on September 27, marking the end of lifeguard service for the year.

Epic: First Semester, written and directed by BU graduate student Aditya Haasan, premiered on September 11, and features the university as a central location.

St Andrew’s Church in Boscombe has created a ‘Living Room’ for its community, a place where people can feel at home and find a warm welcome.

Fox and Vine Limited seeks a new premises licence for alcohol sales at 14 Haven Road, Poole. Public comments to BCP Council by September 29.

Grove Road in New Milton will close from 28 September 2026 for utility works by Circet UK, with diversions in place. Approved by Hampshire County Council.

Rockwater can keep its Branksome beach deck in Poole for three years, subject to conditions including seasonal removal, no music and limited hours.

Bournemouth Rugby Club kicked off the new season in unforgettable style with a glittering Awards Dinner and Pre Season Launch at Bournemouth’s iconic Pavilion

Tops Day Nurseries, brought together children and colleagues from its Dorset nurseries on September 18 as part of a company-wide community litter pick.

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne hosted a visit from Zoolab, whose mobile zoo brought along a selection of animals for residents to meet.

These old photos show the world-famous beauty spot of Lulworth Cove over the years

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.