Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Dorset’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, run by the OPCC, received a gold quality assurance award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association

The Barn in Ringwood will host an exclusive evening celebrating the legendary sci-fi show Thunderbirds on Friday, November 12, 2027.

Charlotte Downing has been named head of commercial performance at Poole firm MSP Capital, which aims to build a loan book of £750 million by 2030.

Moors Manor Care Home in St Leonards will host a summer fete on Wednesday, August 12 in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Canford Classic & Supercar Sunday will return to the grounds of Canford School in Wimborne on Sunday, August 23 and is expected to attract up to 6,000 visitors.

Andy Burnham is capping bus fares, cutting taxes, and fixing a broken social care system failing his own father Roy who has Alzheimer’s

Forgotten Forest Toys gathering dust in Hampshire and Dorset lofts could be worth thousands.

The council's huge debts to support children with special educational needs could be wiped by the government later this year, as the chief executive warns of rising numbers.

Rural policing teams have reported that a 19-year-old man admitted killing birds with a catapult and posting videos of the incidents on social media, alongside a number of other offences.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has announced a new trial of increased parking fines which them double along key seafront routes this summer.

Fire and rescue services have announced a summer safety reminder to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Council goes "all guns blazing" for Wessex mayor, chief executive says in first Echo interview.

More than 40 new businesses have opened in Bournemouth town centre since the start of 2025, BCP Council says, filling 20 per cent of vacant shop units in the past six months.

The caretaker of a middle school in Wimborne is set to walk the entire distance of the Jurassic coast over five days days to raise money to buy the school a new minivan.

BCP Council chiefs say crime is down and cleaning crews are working flat out, but admit figures will not make people feel safer in Bournemouth town centre.

New Forest Police seized a van for being on the road with no insurance on a major road in Ringwood.

An inventor from the education sector has developed a new product aimed at improving safety for children and vulnerable individuals.

Six police officers and three members of the public are to receive national life-saving honours after helping to prevent a tragedy.

A Bournemouth woman has waived her anonymity after a close friend was convicted of sexually assaulting her.

THE family and loved ones of Craig Hurcombe have shared their feelings after Michael Bretton was jailed for his murder

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”?