Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Two much-loved British Heart Foundation shops in Dorset are among 87 facing closure nationwide.

PepsiCo has urgently recalled packets of Doritos Chilli Heatwave (140g) and warned consumers not to eat them as they pose a potential health risk.

A joint transport plan with neighbouring BCP Council has been approved by Dorset councillors

Your correspondent Robert Cooper is quite right to highlight the many attractive areas for visitors near Bournemouth.

Protestors from Dorset Animal Action are still calling for the closure of Bournemouth's Oceanarium amid an animal welfare dispute.

A couple were caught allegedly having sex by member of the public in a public park in Bournemouth.

98-year-old jazz legend Bob Barter performed alongside young trombonist George Farrell at the Broadstone Music Series Young Musicians Alumni Concert.

Oceanarium staff say protesters are making them feel unsafe at work and spreading damaging false claims to the public.

Grillix Ltd applies to BCP Council for a late-night refreshment licence at 402-4 Ashley Road, Poole, seeking opening hours until 4am. Public feedback invited.

My two favourite parts of my job are attending our events and visiting businesses. Both always leave me feeling optimistic and feeling positive.

Britain’s tax system is crushing entrepreneurs in Dorset and needs to be changed, a tax expert has warned.

A new military tattoo is coming to Poole this autumn.

Previously MiNightVet New Forest, the New Forest-based provider is now operating as CVS Vets 24/7 New Forest, with no changes to staff, services or location.

A group of Brockenhurst College students raised £870 for learning disabilities charity Mencap by doing a 7km sponsored walk recently.

Morebus customers travelling in and around Bournemouth and Poole are now benefiting from eight brand new double decker buses.

The model, designed by COBI in partnership with The Tank Museum in Bovington, represents the King Tiger V2 and features more than 1,500 pieces.

Bournemouth University trampolinist Millie Harvey has completed a stadium tour with Take That, performing in cities across the UK.

Tia Mirza, a BA (Hons) Fine Art student at Arts University Bournemouth, presented the Mayor of London with his first major portrait to mark 10 years in office.

JD Wetherspoon applies for alcohol licence at former Smugglers Haunt pub, Ferndown. Public can comment via Dorset Council Licensing until 5 August 2026.

Tom Hayes MP: This fortnight has been another reminder that Bournemouth is always getting better

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”?