Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Plans to shift the Coastguard Rescue Service to an expenses-only volunteer model will no longer go ahead this September.

The warning comes as more people travel with family or share vehicles during the summer months.

Planters in a pub garden are believed to have been deliberately set alight.

Worbarrow Gardens, Poole, will close to vehicles for gas main works from 27 July to 21 August 2026. Diversions in place; BCP Council issues order.

A former Poundland store has been transformed into a Mountain Warehouse flagship outlet.

King Charles and Queen Camilla heard about the work being done in Dorset to support women fleeing domestic abuse during a recent visit to Blandford Forum.

Kingsley Healthcare has acquired St George’s Care Home, a 55-bed facility located in Milford on Sea, as part of its ongoing growth strategy in the region.

STARS Dorset, which supports survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, held the event to thank the many people who contribute to its work across Dorset,

The scores are in — the latest batch of food hygiene ratings for Dorset restaurants, cafes, takeaways and businesses have been revealed.

Young people with SEND are moving into paid employment through BCP Council’s Supported Internship Programme, as graduates celebrated success at Upton House.

A Bournemouth community hub transformed its annual coffee morning into a record-breaking fundraiser for a breast cancer charity.

Beaulieu is offering summer savings with a temporary VAT reduction on admission tickets.

Pennyfarthing Homes is returning as one of four headline sponsors of the New Forest Show, which takes place from July 28 to July 30.

Gibbo Scaffolding Ltd seeks to amend its HGV operator licence to add 2 goods vehicles at Aviation Park East, Hurn, Christchurch. Objections invited.

The FTY Lab, located in Poole, was launched during a VIP event on July 10, with former football manager Harry Redknapp in attendance.

A high-end surf-and-turf restaurant is due to open soon in Poole.

Two furry new arrivals are helping to shape the landscape on one of Dorset’s most famous islands.

MYTIME Young Carers is heading up the Equity for Young Carers Project, which aims to address the current “postcode lottery” in care.

An unusually large Georgian doll 'Dolly, is expected to sell for £3,000-5,000 in the Charterhouse two day specialist auction on August 20 and August 21.

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary traffic lights in July due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.

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.