Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A community social club in Charminster is marking 100 years of memories and good times with a weekend of celebration.

Homelessness in Bournemouth town centre has fallen by nearly 20 per cent, while no families are staying in B&Bs long term, council chiefs say.

Dog owners and their four-legged friends are invited to a "spaniel meet" walking event in the New Forest to raise funds for charity.

A former professional rugby player will be running in Bournemouth as he attempts a world record endurance challenge on running 100 ultramarathons in 100 consecutive days.

Residents are being invited to share their views in consultations on possible safety improvements at a junction in Broadstone.

Britain's number one competitive eater conquered Bournemouth’s new 100oz Beast Challenge in just 25 minutes.

More than £1million of illegal vapes and tobacco was seized by trading standards in the past year.

Dorset’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, run by the OPCC, received a gold quality assurance award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association

The Barn in Ringwood will host an exclusive evening celebrating the legendary sci-fi show Thunderbirds on Friday, November 12, 2027.

Charlotte Downing has been named head of commercial performance at Poole firm MSP Capital, which aims to build a loan book of £750 million by 2030.

Merley Lane, Wimborne, will close for Openreach telecoms works from 18–24 August 2026. Diversions in place; BCP Council confirms emergency access.

Poole road closures between 17–28 August for SGN gas main works: Turlin Road, Keysworth Road, Maryland Road, Fitzworth Avenue. Diversions in place.

Moors Manor Care Home in St Leonards will host a summer fete on Wednesday, August 12 in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Canford Classic & Supercar Sunday will return to the grounds of Canford School in Wimborne on Sunday, August 23 and is expected to attract up to 6,000 visitors.

Andy Burnham is capping bus fares, cutting taxes, and fixing a broken social care system failing his own father Roy who has Alzheimer’s

Forgotten Forest Toys gathering dust in Hampshire and Dorset lofts could be worth thousands.

The council's huge debts to support children with special educational needs could be wiped by the government later this year, as the chief executive warns of rising numbers.

Council goes "all guns blazing" for Wessex mayor, chief executive says in first Echo interview.

More than 40 new businesses have opened in Bournemouth town centre since the start of 2025, BCP Council says, filling 20 per cent of vacant shop units in the past six months.

The caretaker of a middle school in Wimborne is set to walk the entire distance of the Jurassic coast over five days days to raise money to buy the school a new minivan.

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.