Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

A man who once struggled to walk a kilometre has set himself an incredible 400km challenge for charity.

A celebrity-backed campaign is calling for more support to help children with special needs access after-school activities

Sandbanks Ferry will close for around seven weeks from November 2 for a major refit, with replacement travel arrangements in place.

A series of commemorative events will take place across Ringwood to honour those who gave their lives to defend the country

The Flying Scotsman's visit to Swanage has prompted Dorset Council to enforce a temporary 30mph speed limit on A351 Valley Road, Harmans Cross.

One of the largest facilities in the south for dealing with food waste has been officially opened in Dorset.

Bournemouth’s Happyland arcade continues to trade, despite a brief 2024 closure.

Poole's Lakeside Fish & Chips reaches the top 10 of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027, the only South Coast restaurant in the running for the final five.

A “violent” rapist who “showed no remorse” after repeatedly raping a teenage girl has been jailed for nearly five years.

RARE trading cards worth up to £12,000 were stolen while its owner was on holiday.

Police are continuing an urgent search for a man who has been missing for four days.

A woman accused of murdering a man in Southampton has appeared at Southampton Crown Court

The company selected to take over SOBO Beach has been revealed, following a £24 million deal.

Serial disqualified driver Daniel Bennett jailed for 12 months at Southampton Crown Court after using fake number plates, driving uninsured and without a licence.

Loving tributes have been paid to popular former Dorset Echo journalist Ruth Meech, who has died suddenly aged 58

UK drivers over the age of 70 years old have been issued an updater reminder on a must-know Highway Code rule.

A man has been arrested after a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a Ferndown bus stop.

Russell Brand told a woman “it’s just fun” as he allegedly raped her in a hotel room at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, a court has heard.

Swanage was recently named one of the friendliest towns to retire in England, but how much does it cost to live there?

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.