Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Dorset women report feeling unsafe, with nearly half avoiding going out after dark; teenage girls miss school over sexual harassment, councillors hear.

Large spiders are entering homes after tarantulas were confirmed to be in the UK.

BCP Council is going to consider disposing the Civic Annex and relocate services to help raise funds and reduce costs

Police are investigating an alleged outraging public decency incident in East Way, Bournemouth, involving a sixth-form student and a parked vehicle.

Hawkstone and Waitrose has issued a customer notice on Jeremy Clarkson's Guinness rival stout beer, Hawkstone Black.

Russell Brand said “God bless you” as he left court on Tuesday after a hearing ahead of his rape and sexual assault trial.

Reverend Katie Windle was formally licensed to serve Sherborne Schools Group by the Bishop of Salisbury during a Harvest Festival service at Sherborne Abbey.

Britons planning to retire abroad are being warned their State Pension could be frozen depending on where they live, potentially costing thousands over retirement.

Royal Mail parcel delivery prices have increased by up to £1.45. The increased prices impact several types of delivery services.

A petition calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to help young people get jobs has passed 10,000 signatures, triggering a Government response.

The 2008 20p coin fetched more than 224 times its original face value after a collector snapped it up on eBay

Halifax customers are being moved to Lloyds as the Halifax banking app begins closing from October 5. Here's what happens to your accounts.

ASOS has updated customers following a 'hacked' alert that was sent out to millions of app users. The company doesn't believe payment information was impacted.

Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, warns overdosing on vitamin supplements can cause nerve damage, stomach pain and vomiting.

The Government has approved Dorset’s plan to improve support for children and young people with additional needs.

Wildfire review launched as Dorset fire service assesses kit, training and specialist vehicles

Pressure is building to keep Beaulieu's National Motor Museum in the New Forest.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Planet Wimborne is celebrating the huge success of its year-long programme of themed town trails created for Wimborne Town of Culture 2026.

A stage adaptation of Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies is coming to the Bournemouth Pavilion from May 25 to May 29, 2027.

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.