Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A major expansion of bus services is on the way, with 700 new journeys planned across Dorset.

BCP councillors are being asked to confirm their support for the RNLI and condemn harassment of volunteers

Bus drivers were forced to change their routes and passengers faced delays after youths allegedly threw rocks, tiles and other objects from abandoned buildings in Bournemouth.

A 'beautiful' and 'kind-hearted' man died in hospital after being found unresponsive on the side of the road in Poole, an inquest has heard.

BCP Council is being asked to approve major constitutional changes to strip councillors of automatic call-in powers and scrap public objection triggers for planning applications in line with national policy.

BCP Council is to be asked to approve a 25-year commercial lease to revive a vacant seafront café, restore hospitality to the shoreline and bring an empty building back into use

BCP Council is to be asked to approve a long-term commercial lease for a popular beachfront venue Sobo Beach.

Police arrested a suspect after reports of people trying to enter buildings at Moyles Court School. The individual was also held over insurance and drone offences.

The RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal for adopters and foster carers as rescue centres struggle with rising numbers of neglected animals.

Two suspects released on bail after armed police incident in Bournemouth's Hawkwood road. Teenagers arrested over weapons and drugs allegations; inquiries ongoing.

BCP Council will discuss selling most of Hicks Farm’s land and buildings to raise £1m, fund repairs and secure the historic Dorset site’s future following damage.

The change means an extra hour in bed for your Sunday lie-in and will give an extra hour of daylight as the darker nights roll in.

Celebrity chef Rick Stein has linked up with Waitrose in a new partnership.

Prosecutors have dropped bomb charges against a Christchurch family after tests failed to prove any explosives were present.

Residents will bid farewell to the iconic Barfleur ferry next week.

Armed police have been seen in Hawkwood Road in Boscombe. We will be bringing you live updates as we get them.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent alert about the potential contamination

The RAC has debunked common driving myths about dodging average speed cameras by changing lanes or braking under gantries.

Almost a third of Dorset women say they feel unsafe, while nearly half avoid going out after dark and 10 per cent of teenage girls surveyed said they had missed school to escape sexual harassment.

Westbourne restaurant Dane & Port in Poole Road, Bournemouth, closed after serving its final dishes on September 30, but says it is changing direction.

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.