Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A community group has organised a family picnic and sports day to bring residents together and encourage people to take pride in their local green space.

Police are appealing for help to identify the owners of two road bikes found in the New Forest area.

A pony seizure, wildlife crime and fire prevention patrols were among the work carried out by Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team this week.

A dog walker was surprised to spot a “chunky” adult adder in the open.

A train service has issued an update after major cancellations across the network.

A museum is inviting people to step back in time and help bring history to life through volunteering.

A man was banned from seeing his mother at a care home after a row erupted between him and a nurse over the quality of care.

Thousands of music fans flocked to a fast-growing Dorset festival for four days of live performances this weekend.

A pair of sisters are bringing comfort to children in hospital by fundraising to donate Jellycat toys

A property consultancy has been named the best in luxury residential project management.

A conservation project has been nominated for a national award.

Cider producers have said they are facing their "worst year ever" due to the dry weather impacting apple harvests

Firefighters are preparing to leave the scene of the major New Forest wildfire after spending two weeks battling the blaze.

The A31 has reopened after a 13-day closure caused by a major New Forest fire.

A pub has seen trade almost halve since the A31 was closed following the major blaze.

A charity music festival is set to return, promising a full day of live music for a good cause.

Signs have appeared outside two homes in Upton as plans to demolish them and replace them with 16 new properties are considered.

A local football club could soon get a new 50-seat stand if plans are approved.

A new outbuilding with a gym and sauna could be built if the plans are approved.

Picturesque market town Sturminster Newton is one of Dorset's most beautiful places

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”?