Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Officers are issuing an image of a man they would like to identify following inappropriate sexual behaviour and outraging public decency in Bournemouth.

The best fee-free travel cards can help holidaymakers avoid overseas charges while earning cashback and rewards on holiday spending.

HMRC is consulting on plans to make millions of self-employed workers, landlords and side hustlers pay tax earlier through major Self Assessment reforms.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested the frozen £12,570 Income Tax personal allowance is on his radar after saying it was a key issue raised by voters.

Girl who went missing from Ferndown has been found

Andy Burnham is widely expected to deliver a speech outside 10 Downing Street in which he will pledge to bring "breathing room" to struggling households

Hi Sarah, we received a report at 8:28pm on Saturday 18 July 2026 of suspicious activity involving four men taking photos in the area of Hamworthy Park in Poole.

Fordingbridge mayor Pete White officially opened the Albion Road site, now operating as Best Garage Fordingbridge after its recent acquisition by Best Garages Ltd.

Man missing in Bournemouth has been found

A 12 year old girl from Ferndown has gone missing after leaving her home address at 4:30am this morning.

Two much-loved British Heart Foundation shops in Dorset are among 87 facing closure nationwide.

PepsiCo has urgently recalled packets of Doritos Chilli Heatwave (140g) and warned consumers not to eat them as they pose a potential health risk.

A couple were caught allegedly having sex by member of the public in a public park in Bournemouth.

98-year-old jazz legend Bob Barter performed alongside young trombonist George Farrell at the Broadstone Music Series Young Musicians Alumni Concert.

A new military tattoo is coming to Poole this autumn.

Previously MiNightVet New Forest, the New Forest-based provider is now operating as CVS Vets 24/7 New Forest, with no changes to staff, services or location.

A group of Brockenhurst College students raised £870 for learning disabilities charity Mencap by doing a 7km sponsored walk recently.

Tia Mirza, a BA (Hons) Fine Art student at Arts University Bournemouth, presented the Mayor of London with his first major portrait to mark 10 years in office.

JD Wetherspoon applies for alcohol licence at former Smugglers Haunt pub, Ferndown. Public can comment via Dorset Council Licensing until 5 August 2026.

Tom Hayes MP: This fortnight has been another reminder that Bournemouth is always getting better

A man has reportedly been committing acts of "outraging public decency" in the naturist section of Studland beach and Police are appealing for information.

A celebration of archaeology is set to spark curiosity and exploration across the South West.

Purbeck Film Festival returns for its 30th year from August 15 with open-air screenings across Purbeck's most extraordinary locations.

The 'Roads to Rail' steam rally from Swanage Railway will take place from June 26 to June 28 near Norden station and Purbeck Park

More than 40 pre-1957 Citroën vehicles visited Purbeck Mining Museum in Norden as part of the three-day Jurassic Coast Rally.

Helen Goldsack, chief executive of Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, has retired after 27 years with the organisation.

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.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has been selected as Charity of the Year by Isle of Purbeck Golf Club’s Seniors Captain, Stuart Hopkins.