Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A school in Christchurch has announced job cuts after a “falling birth rate” led to fewer pupils.

Save Energy UK has donated to Dorset Mind's Waiting Well Crowdfunder, an initiative helping people facing long waits for mental health support

Dorset is used to star sightings, with blockbusters, Bollywood hits and even a Doctor Who regeneration filmed at one landmark.

Bournemouth University is building a replica courtroom on the recommendation of its law students who wanted a realistic setting to practice their legal skills.

Wildcats, alien cyborgs and revving engines took over New Forest streets in a riot of noise and colour.

A man has been handed a hefty penalty notice after a short stay in a Poole car park, where he spent nearly the entire time trying to pay, and was unsuccessful.

A grandad hurt in a horrific motorbike crash in Vietnam says he feels suicidal after struggling to get NHS care back in the UK.

I joined the Bournemouth Town Pastors on one of their patrols- following them as they offered help and reassurance on the streets of Bournemouth.

BCP Council has announced its plans to invest half a million pounds into a major maintenance project that it says will improve a busy road and help prevent future potholes.

A father from Poole has created an app which helps people find child-friendly pubs across the UK. Pubs With Playgrounds was created by Poole-raised TV producer and father-of-two Alastair Duncan.

A woman says she is scared to leave home after a "dangerous" dog attacked her pet and terrorised her life.

A mother and her children were minutes away from drowning in a "traumatising" incident in the sea which saw them caught in a rip tide.

A case management hearing has been scheduled at Reading Crown Court for a former police officer accused of causing serious injuries during an incident outside a shopping centre.

A group of travellers have set up an unauthorised encampment in Poole.

An inquest has opened following the death of a man who was missing for more than two weeks.

A 66-year-old man was rescued from a beauty hotspot after suffering a suspected fractured ankle.

The council has hit out at claims made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage that "local lads" were forced to clear up mess left by asylum seekers in Bournemouth.

Officers are renewing their appeal for information from the public as searches continue for a missing Bournemouth man.

Dorset pubs in Worth Matravers, Dorchester, Swanage and more were named among England's 500 best for 2026

Courthill Road, Poole, will close for highway maintenance from 27 July–21 August 2026. Diversions and parking restrictions apply. BCP Council update.

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.