Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A welcome boost for households this autumn as the Government confirms electricity bills will be VAT free from October, putting money back into people's pockets.

Andy Burnham has replaced Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister and has initiated a cabinet reshuffle

Andy Burnham has named his first cabinet as Prime Minister after taking office on Monday (July 20).

Santander said customers will still be able to access the same information digitally "anytime, wherever you are"

The UK Government has updated its advice for people heading to Portugal this summer

A retail giant has announced big changes in its stores as part of a national pricing shake-up.

A competition for short films at a long-running Dorset festival has attracted entries from war-torn countries including Iran, Ukraine, and Russia

A group of students have raised more than £800 for charity through a sponsored walk.

A roadside scoreboard is aiming to keep the New Forest tidy.

A car has driven into the front of a house in Winton this morning - live updates

Andy Burnham has replaced Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister and has initiated a cabinet reshuffle

The Littledown Family Fun Day returns to Bournemouth on Sunday, July 26, promising a free day of activities and immersive experiences for all ages.

Land managers from across Dorset recently benefited from a day’s fire training, to enhance their knowledge around the impact of field and heath fires.

Derek Radley has been appointed as the new president of Wimborne Rotary, taking over from outgoing president Brian Dryden

Come and join Nick Cope for a brand-new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more, at Lighthouse Poole on October 10.

Piff the Magic Dragon and Penn Jillette, together with Mr Piffles the chihuahua, will appear at Bournemouth Pavilion on September 10.

A Dorset nursery has been named one of the top 20 in the South West and is celebrating a long-serving member of staff.

Trethowans has relocated its Bournemouth office from Oxford Road to a new 9,000 sq ft space on the second floor of the Bobby’s department store building.

Residents are being invited to make the most of the summer holidays, with a packed programme taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Tom Hayes MP has welcomed Andy Burnham's new commitment to end long-term rough sleeping, backed by an additional £340 million investment.

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”?