Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

HMRC was owed £43.8billion by 8.2 million taxpayers at the end of 2025-26, with a watchdog warning that older unpaid tax debts are harder to recover.

A rare 2009 Kew Gardens 50p coin has sold for £122.18 on eBay after attracting eight bids in an online auction.

A charity shop that has served shoppers in Christchurch for years has announced it will close later this month.

Plans for a mayor of Wessex have taken a major step forward after Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed devolution for the region.

New data reveals the five hardest secondary schools to get into in Dorset, based on catchment distance and capacity.

Storm Austen has hit Dorset with heavy rain and multiple flood alerts in force as a yellow weather warning is in place.

What do we want our towns to look like in ten years?

Further tributes have been paid to a 'genuine and one-of-a-kind human being', who was a much-loved rugby coach and school staff member.

Dorset Wildlife Trust launches Help Nature Take the Lead appeal to restore habitats, create wetlands and support wildlife recovery across Dorset’s landscapes.

Daish’s Holidays reports a 20% rise in demand for Twixmas breaks, with festive bookings up 16% and New Year bookings up 17.4% across UK seaside hotels.

Hearing a story on the radio led to a life-changing cancer diagnosis for a woman who otherwise felt healthy and well.

A restaurant in Bournemouth has launched a new autumn and winter menu with seasonal flavours and comforting favourites.

Temporary Bournemouth road closures and parking restrictions affect Manor Road and Knyveton Road for SGN gas works from November 2 to December 11.

Former SBS officer Tim Gough hosts men-only Pilates classes in Dorset this Movember, raising money for men's health charities including Prostate Cancer UK.

Bryanston School pupils staged Bry Haus, a fashion showcase featuring sustainable designs, student entrepreneurship, catwalk collections and alumni insights.

Marine Conservation Society volunteer Maria Munn calls for more crabbing gear recycling stations along Dorset’s coast after finding 98 abandoned nets.

A coastal town in Dorset is set for major improvements after plans to transform its seafront were given the go-ahead.

A rare gold-inlaid flintlock sporting gun presented to Napoleon Bonaparte could fetch £100,000 at Charterhouse’s Sherborne auction on November 11.

Families in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole can enjoy a week packed with autumn adventures and Halloween fun this half-term.

Dorset MP Vikki Slade demands emergency funding for farmers after the Sustainable Farming Incentive closed within six hours, leaving many without support.

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.