Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A group of Christchurch teenagers helped contain a fire after spotting smoke during a hiking trip in Wales.

An inquest has opened following the death of a woman from Christchurch.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A serial cereal stealer who helped himself to thousands of pounds worth of supermarket goods has admitted 44 counts of theft.

THOUSANDS took over the streets for a ride in the sun and a day of drum and bass.

A vacant care home will be transformed into retirement flats after plans were approved by councillors.

A health food store has confirmed it will close its doors after more than a decade in Ferndown.

A lifeboat crew spent more than five hours assisting a motorboat after it ran aground.

Police have released an image after a man was reportedly seen performing an indecent act in a bush.

Two French men have been jailed for hiding Vietnamese nationals in car boots before travelling by ferry to Poole.

Firefighters used enough water to fill about 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools to put out the New Forest blaze.

A fried chicken chain could open a new takeaway in Bournemouth.

Three bikes, a boat fuel tank and a ladder were stolen in three reported Dorset crimes.

Significant numbers of ancient beech and oak trees have been destroyed in the New Forest wildfire, Forestry England has said.

A fried chicken chain could open a new takeaway in Bournemouth.

Firefighters used enough water to fill about 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools to put out the New Forest blaze.

Two French men have been jailed for hiding Vietnamese nationals in car boots before travelling by ferry to Poole.

Parents have been urged not to use rectal catheters on their babies to help relieve gas and digestion issues

Just Eat has launched its new laundry service that means people can get their clothes washed and dropped back off at their door.

Greggs has announced its hugely popular Steak and Stilton Bake will be returning to its autumn menu.

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.