Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

The average petrol price was 170.3p a litre yesterday, compared with 166.2p a week earlier and 161.8p at the beginning of the month.

Running from September to April, the scheme is open to students in Years 10 to 13.

Around 190,000 square feet of commercial space is sitting empty across Bournemouth town centre.

Dozens of treasured teddy bears of all shapes and sizes came out to play at a Dorset care home’s picnic.

A care home in Poole is set to hold an exercise event designed to keep residents and the local community fit.

More than 140 landowners, regional builders and industry leaders gathered at St Giles House, Dorset, to launch the Regional Building Foundation

Digger Parts Direct LTD in Poole seeks to operate an extra goods vehicle. Nearby landowners can submit objections to the Traffic Commissioner by September 24.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) BSO On Your Doorstep series returns this season, bringing chamber-scale performances to venues across Dorset.

Belonging: Our Search for Home – a new landscape theatre experience coming to Kingston Lacy from 22–27 September as part of Wimborne’s year as Town of Culture.

A flagship careers event is inviting jobseekers from Dorset to explore roles in children’s services across the South West

From Wareham to Winton and Charminster, the message from local people is clear – they want to see a reassuring presence in their communities, and Safeguard Community Support is listening.It has been another busy couple of weeks for SCS, with our volunteers continuing to...

This summer New Milton Town Council welcomed music-lovers to enjoy another outstanding programme of live music on the Recreation Ground.

Showcasing a boom in DIY publications, the Zine Cuisine art fair at Lighthouse Poole saw some 30 stallers and over 200 visitors gather to celebrate zine culture

I have always enjoyed horror films. But local politicians turning practical decisions into social media polls is becoming its own horror story.

Lighthouse Poole has been named a finalist in the Business Events Venue of the Year category at the Dorset Tourism Awards for the fifth year running

Betting Shop Operations Ltd seeks licence for Jenningsbet at Culliford Crescent, Poole. Submit comments to BCP Council by September 24. Gambling Act 2005.

Excel Energy, based in Dorset, has installed approximately 4.9MW of solar capacity and more than 2.3MWh of battery storage across UK sites so far in 2026

National charity Shaftesbury has launched a new song featuring students and young adults with disabilities who are supported by specialist services in Dorset.

Alder Road and Recreation Road in Poole to face closures for highway works, September–October 2026. Check Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council updates.

Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown has donated over £4,200 to fund furniture and equipment at the Macmillan Unit hospice in Christchurch.

These old photos show the world-famous beauty spot of Lulworth Cove over the years

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.