Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

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

A car wash owner is set to sell up after being ordered to stop jet wash services following breaches of noise control requirements.

A former town councillor is due to be sentenced after stealing from an elderly man in Lyme Regis

The cost of MOT tests on cars could nearly double under new guidelines proposed to the Government.

The BBC's reboot of Top Gear is set to be hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, according to reports.

A warning has been issued to shoppers after a Snugly weighted stuffed toy has been flagged as a serious risk of suffocation to young children.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has accused the BBC of failing to safeguard its stars

Aldi has cut the price of British strawberries in its stores in response to a high yield among growers due to heatwave conditions

Trading platform IG has urged investors to be diligent in where they source their financial advice due to risky information on social media

Lee and Nancy Carter are returning to EastEnders' Albert Square in a jaw-dropping storyline.

Millions of British drivers are risking fines and penalty points over a common insurance misconception.

Nearly two million people will receive important letters from HMRC in the coming weeks about simple assessments.

Major disruption to CrossCountry services has been announced after a power cut hit the operator's control centre.

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”?