Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Martin Lewis explains the new £13,037 pension tax allowance, taper rules and why £99 extra income could mean £52 more tax for State Pensioners.

Royal Mail has unveiled its new Christmas stamps for 2026, which include key scenes from the Nativity story.

You might not regularly check the temperature your thermostat is set to but turning it down by just one degree could help save you money.

People making extra money through side hustles will be able to earn significantly more before having to report their income to HMRC

You might not regularly check the temperature your thermostat is set to but turning it down by just one degree could help save you money.

Corporate lawyer Ally Clapp joins Paris Smith as partner in Bournemouth, advising Dorset and South Coast businesses on M&A, commercial and finance law.

National Paediatric Early Warning System rolls out across England’s A&E departments, helping NHS staff spot deteriorating children and provide faster care.

Proyaas Dorset, a community organisation, will host its first charity Diwali event at The Centre on Saturday, November 7.

Canford Cliffs Halloween transformed Haven Road, Poole, into a spooky wonderland on October 31, with fire performers, stilt walkers and trick-or-treating.

Diverse Abilities’ Treecycling scheme will collect Christmas trees across Dorset from January 6-9, 2027, seeking £10 donations for people with disabilities.

The New Forest is named the UK’s best national park for stargazing, scoring 86.51/100 in AA Car Insurance’s ranking for dark skies, cloud and air quality.

Poole’s Environmental Information Exchange takes place November 7, featuring Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Win on Waste and The Library of Things.

A charity shop is urging people to buy gifts that support the elderly.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Steve Walker of C G Fry & Son Limited won the Medium Builder category at the NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards 2026 for his work at Poundbury in Dorchester.

A family-run butchers is set to open in the heart of Wimborne.

Dorset hair salon Dana Quinlan Hair Salon celebrates its third anniversary in Canford Cliffs, offering hair colouring, consultations and personalised care.

Dorset families can enjoy festive crafts and unlimited soft play at Diverse Abilities’ Paint & Play session at The Treehouse, Christchurch, on November 8.

Bournemouth and Poole College’s Apprenticeships Unlocked event moves to Citygate in Bournemouth on February 4, 2027, amid rising demand for apprenticeships.

BCP Council residents recycled 3,500 tonnes of food waste in six months, generating renewable energy for 3,900 homes and cutting general rubbish in Dorset.

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.