Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Shoppers are being urged to check their fridges and cupboards after a series of food safety alerts and recalls at major UK supermarkets.

Hundreds of new 76 number plate combinations are expected to be withheld by the DVLA before they are released on September 1, 2026.

From school uniforms and coats to stationery and lunchbox essentials, here are the best back-to-school deals from Tesco, Iceland, Monsoon and more.

A petition calling for the £12,570 Personal Allowance to rise to £18,000 has attracted nearly 65,000 signatures.

If your sunscreen is past its expiry date, it will not protect you as well as it should, according to an expert dermatologist.

Thirteen jobs are at risk following the decision to end a long-running cross-channel ferry service.

A man arrested after allegedly smashing up 10 cars in an act of “mindless vandalism” remains on bail, police have said.

Michelle Dougan, owner of Sõma Body & Skin Wellness in Canford Cliffs, is a finalist in the New Business category at the National Entrepreneur Awards.

Carry On Costumes seeks alcohol licence for “A Christmas Adventure” at Fawcetts Field, New Milton. Public comments to New Forest District Council by Sept 2026.

The research, by Pepper Money, ranked Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area third in the region for first-time buyers, following Swindon and Gloucester

“It's all changed since my day” is a phrase thrown around by pet owners and veterans of the profession alike.

Dorset Blind Association urging the public to think carefully before donating, as it spends £2,500 every month disposing of goods that can't be sold or recycled

Dorset Coroner issues next of kin appeal for Keld William Buckeridge, 58, who died in Okeford Fitzpaine. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900.

Dorset Council announces road closures, parking restrictions and footpath bans in Upton, Corfe Mullen, Spetisbury and Tarrant Keyneston for maintenance works.

Southern Co-op has confirmed its Dorset stores will be open as usual throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, including Monday 31st August.

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes is urging the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes and the conversion kits used to create them

Incredible history of the Beaulieu Motor Museum in Hampshire. Explore how a struggling New Forest estate became Britain's motoring heritage capital.

The following cases were heard at Weymouth Magistrates' Court:

Algae is being removed from Poole Park Lake following an excessive bloom caused by recent hot weather

Tributes have been paid to a longstanding Cherries fan, mum and steward, with fans asked to join together for a minute’s applause in the 43rd minute of this Saturday’s game against Everton at her ‘happy place’, Dean Court.

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.