Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

EV drivers can install cross-pavement home chargers without planning permission, saving up to £300 under a new Government move for those without driveways.

More than nine million households enter winter with no energy credit cushion or in arrears as January price cap rises loom, Uswitch research reveals.

Bournemouth Collegiate School has awarded full sponsorship to a Year 8 pupil, enabling him to pursue his passion for international sailing competitions.

Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown kicks off the festive season with exciting events.

A soft play event open to all children is set to return during the October half term.

The Vitality Bay Run 2027 returns on Sunday, March 21, 2027, inviting runners, walkers and families to take part in a day of movement along one of the UK’s most scenic seaside routes.

Dorset care home resident Marjorie Pickup, 90, played the accordion again after Verwood House arranged a surprise performance through its Wishing Well scheme.

A fresh push to strengthen Sure Start services has won the backing of an MP.

New Forest teenager Jessica is raising £4,300 to join a Kenya conservation project in July 2027, protecting endangered Rothschild giraffes and communities.

Canon Sarah Jones, first transgender Church of England priest to be ordained, brings her Everyday Normal Tour to Bournemouth on October 21 with a public Q&A.

Erin Thomas Wong, based in Bournemouth, received a Special Recognition Award and a Silver award for Best Coach at the Best Businesswomen Awards

Nearly 40 members attended the October Monthly meeting of the Wimborne Gardening Club on October 6.

Dorset athlete Tom Redmond will represent Great Britain at the 2026 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS World Championship in Stuttgart, Germany, on October 30 and 31.

Dorset has been named the most bookish county in England.

Macmillan Caring Locally, which supports the running of the Macmillan Unit hospice in Christchurch, has been named as Bournemouth Airport’s Charity of the Year.

As winter approaches, Britain is preparing for the challenge of high energy bills, an annual debate mostly led by people in heated rooms.

Applications open for the 2027 BBC Gardeners’ World Beautiful Borders competition at Beaulieu, Hampshire, running April 30 to May 2; deadline January 22.

A new personal safety app designed to help people feel safer when travelling alone is preparing to launch in Bournemouth.

Discover the new BYD Ti 7 plug-in hybrid SUV at Hendy BYD Christchurch on October 21, with an exclusive preview, presentations and test-drive advice.

Shop! is a collaboration between Lighthouse Poole and Poole Museum, and is located in the main foyer of the Lighthouse arts centre.

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.