Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Shoppers are being urged to check their fridges and cupboards after a series of food safety alerts and recalls at major UK supermarkets.

Hundreds of new 76 number plate combinations are expected to be withheld by the DVLA before they are released on September 1, 2026.

From school uniforms and coats to stationery and lunchbox essentials, here are the best back-to-school deals from Tesco, Iceland, Monsoon and more.

It's peak season for silverfish and they love moisture and will feed on household items like fabric, books, wallpaper and more, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Winter Fuel Payment 2026 rules explained, including who will not qualify and why some older people could miss out on the heating support.

If your sunscreen is past its expiry date, it will not protect you as well as it should, according to an expert dermatologist.

Thirteen jobs are at risk following the decision to end a long-running cross-channel ferry service.

Our pub of the week is The Fish Inn,

PETA protesters have staged a provocative demonstration involving “Kentucky Fried Kittens” outside a soon-to-open chicken restaurant in Bournemouth

Michelle Dougan, owner of Sõma Body & Skin Wellness in Canford Cliffs, is a finalist in the New Business category at the National Entrepreneur Awards.

Carry On Costumes seeks alcohol licence for “A Christmas Adventure” at Fawcetts Field, New Milton. Public comments to New Forest District Council by Sept 2026.

The research, by Pepper Money, ranked Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area third in the region for first-time buyers, following Swindon and Gloucester

A new superstore is causing traffic chaos on the roads, according to a resident who has described the situation as “bedlam” for drivers.

A modern Dorset country house with an indoor swimming pool and panoramic rural views is on the market with a guide price of £2.395m.

Dorset Blind Association urging the public to think carefully before donating, as it spends £2,500 every month disposing of goods that can't be sold or recycled

Dorset Coroner issues next of kin appeal for Keld William Buckeridge, 58, who died in Okeford Fitzpaine. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.

Dorset Council announces road closures, parking restrictions and footpath bans in Upton, Corfe Mullen, Spetisbury and Tarrant Keyneston for maintenance works.

Southern Co-op has confirmed its Dorset stores will be open as usual throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, including Monday 31st August.

Six Dorset pubs feature among Britain’s leading beer gardens, with The Acorn Inn in Evershot taking the top spot in the county in a new national analysis

Bournemouth and Poole College’s new £37 million Compass Building, located on its Bournemouth campus, is set to welcome its first students on September 2.

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”?