Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Recent rain has raised hopes that the ban may be lifted in time for Diverse Abilities' Fireworks Cruise on August 27.

World of Swimming, who operate lessons in Bournemouth, has successfully completed its "Make Waves for Marwell's Penguins" campaign, raising over £18,000.

The number of children entering foster care with complex needs has risen by more than a third in just one year

Bournemouth Water is urging customers to adopt water-saving habits as hot, dry weather increases demand

Drivers in the south west are lagging behind other regions in the shift to electric vehicles (EVs)

Government unveils plans for councils to force fly-tippers to join clean-up squads, recover waste removal costs, and impose tougher penalties for dumping.

The Dorset street with the most parking fines has been named for the 2025/26 period, with half of the top 10 being in Weymouth

A group of Christchurch teenagers helped contain a fire after spotting smoke during a hiking trip in Wales.

An inquest has opened following the death of a woman from Christchurch.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A serial cereal stealer who helped himself to thousands of pounds worth of supermarket goods has admitted 44 counts of theft.

More than 220 motorcycles took part in a memorial ride which ended at Poole Quay.

BCP Council has awarded a contract worth nearly £700,000 for external food inspection services to two London-based companies

THOUSANDS took over the streets for a ride in the sun and a day of drum and bass.

A vacant care home will be transformed into retirement flats after plans were approved by councillors.

A health food store has confirmed it will close its doors after more than a decade in Ferndown.

A lifeboat crew spent more than five hours assisting a motorboat after it ran aground.

Police have released an image after a man was reportedly seen performing an indecent act in a bush.

Firefighters used enough water to fill about 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools to put out the New Forest blaze.

A fried chicken chain could open a new takeaway in Bournemouth.

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”?