Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

With temperatures dropping and energy bills rising again, shoppers are turning to thermal clothing to stay warm without piling on bulky layers.

England's shared e-bike consultation covers parking, rider behaviour and insurance. Find out what is proposed and how to respond.

Nationwide is raising rates on most variable savings accounts, with some paying 3.55%. It comes as bank switching jumps 55%.

BEHIND BARS: A 28-year-old man from Ringwood has been jailed for 16 months after pleading guilty to driving offences and breach of Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Only 210,000 of the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p coins entered circulation.

Upgrades to improve the long-term durability of Poole Bridge have been outlined ahead of work that is set to start in 2027

A Christmas fair is set to return with food, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family.

Busy week ahead across BCP as autumn events, remembrance services and festive season begin

Making Tax Digital's next quarterly deadline is November 7, but half of UK adults do not know what the new HMRC tax rules involve.

M&S has launched a year-round Sparks Wine Saver offering 20% off four or more bottles. See the wines included and how to claim the deal.

A NEW macaroni and cheese stall has opened in the town centre.

Residents in Holt are backing a 20mph limit after crashes, pet deaths and near misses, warning they will not wait for a fatality before action is taken.

Discover the best food and drink advent calendars for 2026, from £2.50 chocolate treats to luxury wine, whisky, cocktails and gourmet gifts.

Check affected Rubicon drink and Walkers snack box batches, allergy risks and refund advice from the Food Standards Agency.

Luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker has appointed a new chief financial officer.

More than 50 Dorset vape shops could lose small business rates relief just weeks after a new vaping tax took effect.

A guide to heating, ventilation and other steps that can help reduce condensation and mould in homes across the UK.

Find out how pet allergens can affect asthma and how to manage dog shedding with guidance from UK charities.

Check which Vauxhall models are affected by the Takata airbag recall, how the stop-drive advice works and how to book a free repair.

The Lakeland Only Pan Pro costs £84.99, while the Always Pan Pro is £170 – a difference of £85.

SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?

MORE than 60 DJs and producers will jam out at this year’s Jurassic Dance Festival.

Thousands of petrol heads will soon be flocking to a Dorset castle for an annual motor show featuring more than 250 vehicles.

A POPULAR reggae festival will return to the Jurassic Coast later this summer.

A COMMUNITY cafe has announced it will close down after 13 years of trade this week.

Funerals can now be held in the Purbeck hills thanks to an exclusive partnership between a hotel and director.

ALMOST 500 solar panels are to be installed at a Purbeck tourist site.

A MAN has avoided an immediate prison sentence for placing his mobile phone in a toilet to record a teenage girl.