Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Bournemouth Town Pastors first column for Bournemouth Daily Echo.

Wimborne author Alan Kingsland is a Lakeland Book of the Year finalist for "Fifty-Nine Pairs of Socks", chronicling his 214 Wainwrights walking challenge.

Dorset charity Diverse Abilities hosts Cardboard Campout in Christchurch, raising funds and awareness for homelessness among disabled people. 19–20 September.

It is a huge honour to have been elected as the very first councillor to sit on Bournemouth Town Council, and I am genuinely grateful for the trust that residents of East Cliff and Springbourne have once again placed in me.

Environment Agency declares prolonged dry weather for West Country area as low rainfall and rising river temperatures impact the West Country.

The officially recognised New Forest Flag will be unveiled at the New Forest Show, Hampshire, on 28 July, celebrating local heritage and historic symbols.

Year 1 pupils at Hill View Primary School in Bournemouth enjoyed a memorable day of learning and discovery during an educational visit to Swanage

Over 50 New Forest businesses join Drive Safe campaign, led by the Commoners’ Defence Association, to protect roaming animals and boost road safety.

Discover Timber, the new sustainable timber-themed play area at Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset. Enjoy accessible, interactive fun by Forestry England.

David Cowling, Dorset commercial property surveyor and co-founder of Cowling & West, retires after 45 years shaping BCP region developments.

Dorset care homes, including Colten Care in Poole, Bournemouth, Sherborne and Blandford, celebrated National Ice Cream Month with retro parlours.

Linden House in Lymington, run by Colten Care, hosted its first dementia-friendly festival, uniting the community and raising funds for dementia care support.

Youth Space 2026 launches in Hamworthy and Poole, offering free summer activities for 11–16s to shape their community. Supported by The Power House.

A £2 cap on single bus journeys has been welcomed by Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East

Lighthouse Poole joins UK Legacy Trail honouring pop legend David Cassidy, with a seat sponsorship marking his 1985 performance and supporting community arts.

Summer fireworks are set to light up the skies once again, bringing colour and excitement to Bournemouth and Poole, as displays return this weekend.

Tickets selling fast for Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2026, Dorset: live music, family activities, workshops and camping near Corfe Castle, 20–23 August.

Dr Helen Allergy in Ringwood marks 4 years as the UK’s first dedicated allergy clinic, offering immunotherapy for children and adults led by Dr Evans-Howells.

Four new energy-efficient bungalows for veterans have been built by Greendale Construction in Bournemouth, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

BCP Council unveils UK’s first timber bus shelters on Bournemouth seafront—eco-friendly designs with green roofs, boosting public transport sustainability.

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”?