Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Alleyn Singers performed choral evensong and parish eucharist at Wimborne Minster on October 10 and 11, joined by Minster Lay Clerks and Choristers

The Monday Morning Group of Volunteers, known for tidying up the main streets of Wimborne Minster, were finalists in the Radio Solent Make A Difference Awards.

Coffin Club hosts a funeral planning event at Poole’s Dolphin Centre on October 16, helping visitors explore ceremony styles and personal touches.

Children aged 8 to 14 can enjoy adventure, creativity and outdoor learning this October half term at The Treehouse in Hurn, near Bournemouth Airport.

More than 9,600 people in Dorset took part in the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch, helping to record more than nine million birds across the UK.

National Trust sites across Dorset are gearing up for October half-term with a host of activities.

Paragon Skills, based in Bournemouth, is sponsoring the Health, Medical and Social Care category at this year’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

Bournemouth is set to benefit from a major boost in rail capacity as part of an investment in CrossCountry services

Bournemouth has been named one of the most dangerous places in England and Wales, excluding London, for school run collisions.

Families charity Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have been awarded a Team of the Year certificate at the Volunteer Centre Dorset Celebration Evening 2026.

Bournemouth University (BU) has been awarded funding to launch a start-up company to help people and businesses deal more effectively with cyber-attacks.

NatWest, at The Square, 5 Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, received a rating of 2.6 stars from 81 Google reviews, the third lowest in the South West.

Bournemouth fans face the most expensive away-day pint among Premier League clubs competing in Europe this season.

Get festive at The Tank Museum with two fun-filled days of a local craft market, live entertainment, and see Santa arrive in a tank, 14-15 November.

Poole rower Lexi Gill has been selected for the Dakar Youth Olympics after being aided by a Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented grant from DCF.

Run Bournemouth 2026 raises more than £500,000 for charity as thousands race in six events, including the Bournemouth Half Marathon, 10K and Sophie’s Mile.

Sandbanks Beach in Dorset named the UK’s best beach by Skyscanner, praised for its 20.8C summer temperatures, Blue Flag status and family-friendly sands.

A domestic abuser who ripped off his partner’s pyjama top, put a pillow over her face and beat her with a bong has been given a suspended 36-month jail sentence.

As a 34-year-old ferry service made its final crossing to France from Poole, residents lined the waterside to wave goodbye to the “iconic” ship.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' 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.