Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Plans for a shed in church grounds, home extensions, a new garage workshop are among the latest Dorchester rural planning applications.

Explosive hidden history of Eyeworth Pond in the New Forest, where a Hampshire beauty spot once housed the world's largest gunpowder factory.

Meet the Dorset pair taking on Reform leader Nigel Farage in the Clacton-by-election.

A new scientific study by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) shows the survival of wild Atlantic salmon at sea has declined dramatically.

More then 500 roads from Sandbanks to Southbourne will be included in a trial this August which will see motorists having to pay higher fines for parking illegally

It is widely acknowledged that walking football allows people to continue playing the game they love even after retirement. However, for John Blake, getting involved with AFC Bournemouth’s walking football team turned out to be more than just a game — it was lifesaving.

A father a severely disabled daughter says they were "abandoned" by Ryanair and told to make their own way home.

The remains of Poole-based mountaineer Nirmal Purja have been recovered after an avalanche on one of the world's highest mountains killed four climbers.

A 48-year old man who was part of a blood-drinking vampire cult has been sentenced after dumping dead animals at churches across the New Forest.

A new seasonal camping use at Harmans Cross and a kitchen garden polytunnel in Wareham are among the latest Purbeck planning applications submitted to Dorset Council.

Research by Solar4Good, based on figures from the Department of Energy and Net Zero, has revealed the region’s strong performance in both solar capacity and electricity generation.

A group of men were reportedly caught engaging in sexual activity in an area of the beach in Studland.

Detectives work with partners to expose rogue trader mechanic

Officers in Hampshire are set to introduce new 'SmartTag' technology as part of a crackdown on e-bikes, e-scooters and motorcycles

‘As long as it’s not raining,’ was uttered many times in our household in the weeks and months leading up to Camp Bestival.

Four people have been injured in a crash on a main route last night

A few postcodes across Dorset won prizes in the People's Postcode Lottery in June 2026, including in Bournemouth, Poole and Blandford Forum

A man who has was reported missing for 23 days has now been found, police confirm.

A man has been charged over a hit-and-run that killed a 26-year-old father of two.

Poole Harbour Festival, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, is going from strength to strength – and if it gets much bigger it will burst out of its Baiter site.

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”?