Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo
Pair of people broke into Ferndown home
Two people broke into a home in Ferndown
Man exposes himself to woman in Poole park after shouting at her
A man allegedly flashed a woman after shouting at her in a park in Poole.
Dozens of firefighters tackle blaze at industrial unit
A fire broke out in an industrial unit near Buckland Newton.
Rape investigation continues after reported sex assault in Boscombe
Police are continuing to investigate a reported rape in Boscombe.
FCDO issues important warning to all Brits going abroad this year
The FCDO has warned holidaymakers to make sure they know what to do if their passport becomes lost or is stolen.
'Unprecedented' El Nino to bring autumn and winter storms to UK, Met Office warns
The Met Office has warned that an "unprecedented" El Nino could bring wetter and stormier conditions to the UK this autumn and winter.
UK's only venomous snake rescued from 'devastating' New Forest fire
The UK's only venomous snake has been rescued from the devastating New Forest wildfire.
New Forest exhibition to celebrate landscapes, wildlife, and folklore
A summer exhibition will celebrate the landscape, wildlife, and folklore of the New Forest through the work of 18 artists.
Disability charity hopeful fireworks ban will be lifted for Fireworks Cruise
Recent rain has raised hopes that the ban may be lifted in time for Diverse Abilities' Fireworks Cruise on August 27.
Ferndown high street set to undergo major revamp
Major improvements to a Ferndown town centre road are set to get underway next month.
Bournemouth University teams up with investors to back region's founders
A university is teaming up with investors to turn student ideas into commercial success.
Dorset swim school's young swimmers raise over £18k for penguins at Marwell Zoo
World of Swimming, who operate lessons in Bournemouth, has successfully completed its "Make Waves for Marwell's Penguins" campaign, raising over £18,000.
Children with complex needs entering foster care up by a third in a single year
The number of children entering foster care with complex needs has risen by more than a third in just one year
Mysterious medieval structure uncovered by Bournemouth University dig team
Bournemouth University archaeologists have brought together a team of specialists to investigate a mysterious structure hidden in a field in Dorset.
'Bournemouth's best years might not be behind us'
People keep telling us that things are getting worse.
South west families still counting cost of holidays as new school term looms
South West families are still feeling the financial impact of the school holidays as they prepare children for the new term, The Children’s Society warns.
Bournemouth Water encourages residents to adopt water-efficient routines
Bournemouth Water is urging customers to adopt water-saving habits as hot, dry weather increases demand
Drivers in south west in the slow lane for the switch to fully electric vehicles
Drivers in the south west are lagging behind other regions in the shift to electric vehicles (EVs)
What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend
This weekend sees the release of six new releases, including a new Jason Statham film, alongside other films in cinemas across BCP.
Fly-tippers could soon be forced to clean up their own mess under new proposals
Government unveils plans for councils to force fly-tippers to join clean-up squads, recover waste removal costs, and impose tougher penalties for dumping.
Nostalgic photos reveal decades of change at Dorset beauty spot
These old photos show the world-famous beauty spot of Lulworth Cove over the years
Cider maker launches new brew in fundraising partnership with air ambulance
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.
'Build your own home' in Dorset with plot of land up for sale for £2.5million
Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset
The cult comedy filmed across Dorset you can watch for free
Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer
WATCH: This island could have been all yours for just £250k
A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.
The day Del Boy filmed Only Fools and Horses in Dorset
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?
Ferry staff subject to verbal abuse following hour suspension
Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.
Hundreds of jobs created at holiday park as part of £500k investment
Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.