Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo
Four people have 'lucky escape' off Dorset coast after jet ski collision
Four people have had a lucky escape off Old Harry this afternoon after two jet skis collided, followed by a speedboat that went to assist but subsequently broke down and was left drifting dangerously close to the rocks.
Bournemouth Airport issues warning for passengers after A31 fire
BOURNEMOUTH Airport has issued a warning to its passengers following the fire on the A31.
'Bournemouth has everything it needs to succeed'
Last time, I wrote about Bournemouth’s next chapter. The response was encouraging. People clearly care about this place.
Met Office considers rare extreme heat warning amid 36C heatwave forecast
Forecasters warn the extreme heat could disrupt transport and power networks as dry, hot weather continues to grip the country.
Motorcyclist left with cracked ribs after crash as driver refuses to give details
A motorcyclist was left with three cracked ribs after a female driver left the scene without near Ferndown.
Diversion route in place as A31 closed both ways after fire
The A31 through the New Forest remains closed in both directions this morning due to a HGV fire which spread to nearby verges and trees.
Gardeners advised to cut these 6 plants back in August for extra boost of flowers
Gardeners have been advised to cut back 6 plants in August for an extra boost of flowers, including hardy geraniums and Delphiniums
PICTURES - major incident after vehicle fire spreads in New Forest
Vehicles were abandoned after a massive fire broke out in the New Forest on Sunday afternoon.
UK set for another 'exceptional' heatwave as temperatures could rise above 36C
Forecasters have warned that parts of the country could see mid-30s temperatures this week.
LIVE - A31 still closed both ways after vehicle fire spreads
The A31 is still closed both ways this morning several hours after a vehicle fire spread to the central reservation. We will be bringing you latest updates.
Arts by the Sea in Bournemouth announces next wave of artists for 2026 festival
New performances inspired by this year's ELEMENTAL theme join the programme for Arts by The Sea festival taking place in Bournemouth, September 25 and 26.
Gardeners encouraged to enter club's late summer show
Gardeners and growers are being encouraged to showcase their green-fingered skills at an upcoming horticultural event.
Bournemouth musician bids farewell with final album before break
Bournemouth-based solo artist Julian Barry has released what he says will be his final studio album before taking a break from music.
Performer secures starring role in E4 cruise documentary
A professional performer from Dorset is set to appear on television this week after being invited to feature in a documentary about cruise life.
Eight-year survey finds 85% of supermarket items still wrapped in plastic
An eight-year plastics survey has revealed that 85 per cent of products in supermarkets are still wrapped in plastic.
New coastal art exhibition celebrating light and water launches at gallery
A new exhibition celebrating light, water, and the coast is now on display this month.
Car finance company to open office at former LV site
A car finance company is opening an office in Bournemouth, which is officially its first office outside of Manchester.
Newly formed community group makes waves with high-profile summer events
A community group founded just months ago is already making waves with two high-profile summer events.
Blandford Forum care home swings into sparkling 35th anniversary celebration
Whitecliffe House in Blandford Forum hosted the 35th anniversary event with residents, staff, families, friends, and members of the community in attendance.
'New PM is a fresh opportunity to back Dorset businesses'
The appointment of a new prime minister marks an important moment for the UK economy and offers a genuine opportunity to restore business confidence.
The Famous Five adventure returns to Purbeck for the first time in 80 years
For the first time in 80 years, Purbeck will welcome the return of the Famous Five through a collaboration between the National Trust and Blyton Books.
Golf club seniors captain fundraising for hospice charity in memory of his wife
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has been selected as Charity of the Year by Isle of Purbeck Golf Club’s Seniors Captain, Stuart Hopkins.
Photographer feels 'very lucky' after capturing pod of 15 dolphins near Purbeck coast
A sighting of a dolphin pod has delighted a photographer along the Purbeck coast.
Dorset school band to perform at upcoming arts festival's opening event
HSD School Band from Harbour School Dorset, featuring pupils with special needs, to open Purbeck Art Weeks at Rollington Barn, Wareham, on 22 May.
Dorset choir merges with hospice charity to broaden wellbeing support
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care merges with Rising Voices Wessex choir in Dorset, expanding holistic support for people with cancer and life-limiting illnesses.
Dorset theatre is looking for new trustees to join its board
The Mowlem, a leading arts venue in Purbeck, seeks new trustees. Apply by 22 May to help shape local culture. Arts, finance, and fundraising skills valued.
Police give update on arrests following 'illegal rave'
Following an 'illegal rave' in Purbeck, police have revealed further information about those arrested, with one individual having travelled all the way from Bedfordshire.
Swanage and Isle of Purbeck launch bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
Swanage and Isle of Purbeck bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, led by Cultural Purbeck, aiming to boost local arts, heritage, tourism and community access.





























