Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Four million households without smart meters are urged to submit a meter reading before October 1 as energy prices rise and bills increase.

Parents typically wait until age five to open a savings account, potentially missing £3,794 in contributions

Scientists have revealed the five staple food products that will increase in price by the end of 2026.

Around 3.2 million pensioners are due HMRC refunds after a state pension tax calculation error. Find out who is affected and what happens next.

The New Forest garden's annual Nerine Exhibition will run throughout October, showcasing its world-renowned collection of Nerine sarniensis (jewel lilies).

Poole council orders Eric Stone to clear scrap, mobility scooters and rubble from his Pergin Crescent garden under a Section 215 notice from November 20, 2026.

New research from Avis has ranked Europe’s best wildlife driving routes, with the New Forest Wildlife Drive being named the best.

Debbie McGee, Diane Keen, and Anneke Wills, alongside Ray Dorset, will be in the Talking Pictures TV Film and TV Roadshow at the Tivoli Wimborne Theatre.

Comedian Tom Stade is bringing his latest stand-up tour to two BCP venues this autumn and next year

Belonging: Our Search for Home, created by Wimborne Community Theatre, is being performed in the gardens of Kingston Lacy

Armonico Consort is bringing its 25th anniversary tour Supersize Polyphony 3: Venetian Blinders! to Lighthouse Poole on October 1.

Bongo’s Bingo will bring its Halloween special, 'Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun', to the O2 Academy Bournemouth next month

This month marks a special milestone for Bournemouth Town Pastors, as we celebrate nine years since our very first patrol.

A man will shave his head to raise money for charity after his mother was diagnosed with a “devastating” incurable cancer.

Witchmark Distillery have been announced as an Executive Regional Partner of AFC Bournemouth for the 2026/27 season.

Classic cars Doris the Morris Minor Tourer and Mabel the Mini Clubman will be auctioned by Charterhouse at Haynes Motor Museum on November 19.

Simply Pleasure Ltd in Bournemouth has applied to renew its sex shop licence with BCP Council. Objections can be submitted until 6 October 2026.

Bournemouth Pavilion’s Terrace Bistro has been recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2026, placed among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide

A business-led network has launched in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) to help prevent youth homelessness by supporting young people into work

HealthBus and YMCA Bournemouth Meet Homelessness Minister with Tom Hayes MP as BCP gets £4.7m homelessness boost.

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.