Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Two French men have been jailed for hiding Vietnamese nationals in car boots before travelling by ferry to Poole.

Three bikes, a boat fuel tank and a ladder were stolen in three reported Dorset crimes.

Significant numbers of ancient beech and oak trees have been destroyed in the New Forest wildfire, Forestry England has said.

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

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

Two French men have been jailed for hiding Vietnamese nationals in car boots before travelling by ferry to Poole.

Parents have been urged not to use rectal catheters on their babies to help relieve gas and digestion issues

Just Eat has launched its new laundry service that means people can get their clothes washed and dropped back off at their door.

Greggs has announced its hugely popular Steak and Stilton Bake will be returning to its autumn menu.

Celebrity MasterChef fans were left fuming after the judges sent home Jay McGuiness, who viewers believe was the "wrong" choice.

Rodney Blackstock made an appearance on the show after disappearing for six months.

Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo Slater on the BBC soap, has confirmed she will not be returning to Walford for Zoe Slater’s funeral.

Brits travelling to Qatar risk a possible five-year prison sentence if they bring banned medication into the country

Frasers Travel Ltd was founded back in 1986 and offered holiday packages to various exotic destinations.

Firefighters have begun the huge task of clearing more than 85 million litres of water used to tackle the New Forest wildfire.

A 29 year old man who has "been upset recently" is missing and Police are urging the public for help to find him. Joe, aged 29, is believed to have last been seen in the area of Fleetsbridge Roundabout at around 10am on Thursday, August 20.

A petition has been started calling for the resignation of council leader Millie Earl and chief executive Aiden Dunn.

Dorset Police received a report at 12.16am on Thursday 20 August 2026 that a woman in her 40s was raped in the Boscombe area of Bournemouth.

Police say their investigation into the alleged murder of a man who died in Poole Harbour is still ongoing.

Don't get caught out at the airport. Check hand luggage sizes and cabin bag allowances for Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air and more.

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”?