Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Bournemouth Writing Festival returns April 23-25 with a hybrid programme of 55 virtual talks, masterclasses, Dorset events and community writing projects.

A Bournemouth school has seen attendance rise after launching a free breakfast club for pupils last month.

Dorset Council and Help and Kindness launch project to improve support for older people ageing without children by listening to residents’ experiences.

Pennyfarthing Homes visited St Luke’s C of E Primary School on October 16 to deliver a talk on health and safety around building sites.

Dorset sparkling wine from Langham Wine Estate was served at King Charles III’s Windsor Castle exclusive state banquet for Oman’s Sultan on October 20.

A Dorset Police sergeant has received national recognition after being named the NPCC Response Sergeant of the Year at the Police Federation annual conference.

A primary school marked its 170th anniversary with a special reunion attended by nearly 200 former pupils, staff, and families.

Dorset Freemasons give MYTIME Young Carers £50,000 to fund Making Memories days, helping young carers enjoy kayaking, climbing and other outdoor activities.

Soul star Brooke Combe brings her UK tour to Bournemouth’s O2 Academy on October 27, supporting Jalen N’Gonda with new single Love Was Made Of Stone.

Fernhill dementia care home near Bournemouth hosted magician Andrew Scarratt for an interactive magic show, bringing laughter and wonder to Dorset residents.

Poole has been entered into a national scheme that could see it win £20,000 for a community project.

A business leader has called for immediate government action on steel tariffs.

Bournemouth Rotary president Keith Loveless completes 100-mile Jurassic Coast charity walk, raising £1,000 for three Dorset causes including Hope for Food.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Roberto Rocca, visited the not-for-profit Care South's Castle Dene care home on Throop Road to launch the Castle Dene Men’s Shed.

UK corporate insolvencies fell 4.6% year on year to 1,882 in September, but Azets warns rising costs, shrinking profits and debts threaten firms.

A slimmer has reached the semi-finals of a national weight loss competition after shedding nearly 10 stone.

Bournemouth beats AC Milan as Labour investment funds Pokesdown Station upgrades, free breakfast clubs and increased policing across the town.

Dorset Tourism Awards celebrate 67 tourism awards, including Birds of Poole Harbour as Winner of Winners, at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel on October 22.

Barnacle-covered box found on Boscombe beach in January 2016 contained foam and carried 83 Columbus crabs across the Atlantic from Bermuda.

A gourmet mac and cheese business is set to open next weekend

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.