Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A Poole infant school has seen three break-ins in the space of a week, leaving classrooms vandalised and supplies destroyed.

A wind farm tycoon was exposed for having child porn after he went into a Bournemouth computer repair shop and asked them to wipe his hard drives.

A missing passport has put travel plans on hold for a family living in Bournemouth.

The fire service received more than 2,000 calls in a week after a major incident was declared in the New Forest, where three fires were believed to have been started deliberately.

A hair salon team from Christchurch is celebrating after scooping national awards at a major industry event.

A piece of land in Christchurch which is at the centre of a long-running development dispute is up for sale at a public auction

Christmas lights will return to four areas of Bournemouth this year after the town council approved nearly £60,000 in funding

Drug driving arrests have nearly doubled in five years across Dorset while drink driving offences have steadily declined, according to newly released police figures.

The plan sets out policies to guide future development in the National Park.

A harbour came alive with the sights and sounds of working boats as hundreds stepped aboard.

A petition is calling for the resignation of BCP Council Leader Millie Earl and Chief Executive Aidan Dunn

A petition is calling for the resignation of BCP Council Leader Millie Earl and Chief Executive Aidan Dunn

A harbour came alive with the sights and sounds of working boats as hundreds stepped aboard.

The plan sets out policies to guide future development in the National Park.

Drug driving arrests have nearly doubled in five years across Dorset while drink driving offences have steadily declined, according to newly released police figures.

A 13-year-old Bournemouth girl last seen on Tuesday morning has been reported missing.

The large heathland fire in the New Forest is no longer being treated as a major incident- but recovery is said to take many years.

A number of people and activities may be exempt from the Wessex Water hosepipe ban that has been introduced in Dorset

A man walking beside the River Stour says he was left shocked after spotting what he believes was a 'panther' before it ran into nearby woodland.

LISTED building consent has been granted for the demolition and rebuilding of part of an ancient Tithe Barn wall at Barton Farm, Cerne Abbas.

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”?