Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Across Dorset, 2,672 people took part, spotting 38,438 butterflies and day-flying moths during the three weeks of the Big Butterfly Count

Port Regis School, located near Shaftesbury, won the Environmental Achievement Award in the Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education 2026

Oak Academy, Bournemouth, held its annual open evening, giving parents and prospective pupils the chance to hear from new Principal, Danielle Fisher.

An author is inviting readers to a special book launch in Christchurch for her latest psychological thriller.

The award-winning Coastal Comedy Club will debut at Verwood Hub on Saturday, October 17, with a headline set from comedian Angela Barnes.

Dorset Nightstop, run by Action for Children, is appealing for more volunteer hosts and drivers after a rise in referrals between April 2025 and March 2026.

Housing provider Abri is set to deliver 37 high-quality affordable homes for the local community in Upton, following the exchange of contracts with Wyatt Homes.

England’s only natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, is celebrating 25 years since it received global recognition

A farmer who won Britain's Got Talent this year has secured planning permission for Dorset's first rural indoor padel club.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A woman has branded a £110 parking fine an "unethical money grab" after being penalised for entering the wrong car park code despite paying for her parking.

Westbourne turned back the clock for a day of Victorian flair and steampunk spectacle.

A Christchurch mum has turned letters to her son into a self-published children’s book.

Tributes have been paid to a 12-year-old schoolgirl who took her own life earlier this year.

Residents in Hamworthy will be going to the polls today to elect a new councillor to Poole Town Council.

Schmidt has announced the opening of a new showroom in Ringwood, scheduled for October 2026.

A local fisherman has been handed a court bill of nearly £3,800 after admitting dredging for scallops out of hours and committing a series of other fisheries offences.

A property in Bournemouth linked with drug activity and anti-social behaviour has been closed down

A person was taken to hospital with a head injury after a fall near the seafront.

Two Dorset coastguard teams were deployed in a significant search operation to a reports of a person potentially in the water near Bournemouth Pier alongside a shadowing police force, ambulances crews and the RNLI.

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.