Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Greg O’Flynn has been walking from Barrow-in-Furness to Poole in a mammoth walk to raise money for Barrow Underground Music Society (BUMS).

A hosepipe ban has been introduced in Dorset for the first time in 50 years.

A family has been left without electricity after a 12-year-old boy joyriding his mother's Volkswagen Tiguan crashed into a telegraph pole outside their home.

Thousands more homes could be built near railway stations under major new planning changes, while pubs will be given extra protection from developers trying to turn them into flats or shops.

HMRC is urging shoppers to report vape shops, barbers and 'dodgy' high street businesses they suspect of tax fraud or money laundering.

The Government's free bus travel scheme lets children aged 5-15 travel free in England during August. Here's everything parents need to know.

Royal Mail has given advice to customers to keep a few things in mind when writing addresses on letters and parcels by hand

A woman has appeared at Southampton Crown Court charged with the murder of a man at a block of flats

A council has rejected a proposal to provide parish and town councils with free meeting space.

The Eurofighter Typhoon roared its way into Bournemouth Airport at the weekend.

US actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died aged 36.

The A31 remains closed more than a week after a vehicle fire spread to heathland. We will be bringing you latest updates as we get them.

The Met Office has predicted fresher, more changeable weather in the coming week.

The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in New Milton hosted the summer auto jumble event on Sunday, August 9, with more than 100 stalls.

The ongoing war in Iran is pushing up borrowing costs for small businesses in Dorset, according to Azets

A sushi restaurant in Westbourne is pushing the boundaries by serving up the world’s premium tuna.

The Poole Military Tattoo will come to Poole Stadium on September 12, honouring the dedication and sacrifice of those who served and those who continue to serve

Grants of up to £1,000 are available from Christchurch Town Council for community projects that benefit Christchurch residents.

Vikki Slade MP has joined calls to oppose plans in the NHS Modernisation Bill that would abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations

Tom Hayes on Beaufort Community Centre, Charminster Library, Kings Park Nursery, and Swanmore Gardens Pavilion

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”?