Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Concerns are swelling within the surf community as they say BCP Council will ‘destroy’ the last surf spot along the coast with their plans to restore Bournemouth Pier.

Plans for Hampshire’s first specialist educational needs unit of its kind have moved a step closer after £6 million in funding was approved to transform a former Lymington infant school.

A Christchurch mother has described her family’s ordeal after her three-year-old daughter contracted E. coli following a swim in Christchurch Harbour.

A Dorset logistics company has been recognised for its financial transformation at the 2026 Finance Awards.

Rarely seen Victorian portraits by two leading artists have gone on public display.

Members of Southbourne Women's Institute have raised funds for an anatomically accurate female resuscitation manikin for Southbourne Surf Life Saving Club.

An elderly woman was reunited with her Rolex watch after dropping it at at Ringwood garden centre.

A public consultation has been launched on proposed changes to home-to-school transport policies.

A new student hub is opening in a Bournemouth venue, offering a free space for students to study, socialise and relax.

Wonderful to see Paddle Steamer Waverley back in Poole as part of her South Coast and Isle of Wight Cruises!

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Suicide prevention charity founder warns of "hidden signs " of a crisis that can be misinterpreted as signs of recovery. Alice Hendy MBE, and founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity is urging the public to get to grip with the hidden signs of suicide in a drive to save lives.

A viral sensation who brought classroom singalongs to Glastonbury is bringing his nostalgic live show to Poole.

A new collection of high-specification clifftop apartments at a luxury coastal development are now available for viewing.

Church bells rang out once again as a community gathered to celebrate the completion of a major restoration project.

A greenkeeper at a prestigious golf club has been jailed for four-and-a-half years for raping a woman while she slept.

A much-loved community group says it may be forced to close without urgent help from new volunteers.

A new biodiversity business is creating a buzz at a farm in east Dorset, aiming to regenerate the area’s ecosystems and habitats.

More than £4million is being reallocated from pier repairs to other projects.

Twin sisters who dominated the table tennis scene more than 60 years ago have reunited for a birthday celebration.

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.