Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A man who bit and headbutted his heavily pregnant woman after her waters broke, leaving her “broken and bruised”, has been jailed.

We reveal which Dorset town has been named among the friendliest to retire to in England by World Atlas

Firefighters and gas engineers were called to Heron Court Road in Bournemouth after reports of a gas leak near Tesco. Crews attended the scene on Sunday evening while engineers worked to locate the source.

A vehicle fire closed a carriageway and saw flames spread to a nearby heathland, fire crews have said.

Verwood Rotary Club’s Rustic Fayre in Dorset featured BMX stunts, duck races and classic vehicles, raising funds for good causes. Nominations close October 24.

A lane is blocked on the A338 due to a car on fire - updates to follow.

HMRC is sending 311,000 letters to people who could be missing Home Responsibilities Protection, with successful claims averaging £8,000 in pension arrears.

Brave victim sees abuser jailed after coming forward

Wynsors World of Shoes is set to close 17 stores across the UK - see the full list of locations.

The Government said the feature is designed to be faster and more secure than traditional passwords.

New data reveals the 10 hardest primary schools to get into across the BCP area, based on catchment distance and capacity.

An independent school in Hampshire has been named aa a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026.

The following case was heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DLVA) issued an alert to older drivers on social media.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows councils to take action if waste is left in a way that causes a nuisance or poses a risk to public safety.

Morrisons has launched a new Chocolate Curves, which have been likened to Cadbury Snaps, which were discontinued 16 years ago.

GFM Animation worked with Leonardo Di Caprio on his production company’s 2023 animated film Ozi: Voice of the Forest.

A new state pension tax break could help just 1 in 16 pensioners, with experts warning most could miss out.

Millions of pensioners could see the state pension rise by £488 a year in April, but the increase could push the new rate above the tax threshold.

The European Union (EU) has suspended the rollout of its new Entry/Exit System (EES) in at least nine countries - see the full list.

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.