Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A team from the Inspiration Agency participated in the 2026 Sassy Walk, raising funds for Batten Fighters Forever

Dorset Parky Striders took on Eastleigh Walking Football Club at the Places Leisure Centre in Eastleigh, winning all six games.

The bird and hedgehog boxes, created by Gillshed CIC, have been designed and created for at Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties’ Gillingham Lakes development

Hyacinth House celebrated World Animal Day with a visit from Snake Shack, giving residents the opportunity to learn about snakes and other creatures.

Bournemouth-based Orange Grove Foster Care is encouraging more people to consider fostering through its latest campaign

Steele Raymond earns top-tier Legal 500 UK 2027 rankings for 22nd year, recognised for corporate, litigation and property work across the South West firm.

Louise Balaam has been appointed chief executive of Dorset Community Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience to Dorset’s largest county-based funder.

Vagabond Pilates, which has studios in Dorset, took home three honours at the Great British Business & Community Awards 2026.

YMCA Bournemouth is celebrating the difference youth clubs can make to young people following a summer of activities, friendship and new experiences.

The Beach House, located at Mudeford Beach, has submitted a premises licence application to BCP Council.

The Tank Museum in Bovington has launched its 2026 Christmas jumper, featuring Santa Claus riding a Sherman tank through a wintry scene.

Four local artists represented the New Forest region on the international stage exhibiting new artwork at the prestigious Venice Biennale.

Discover Parkstone’s lost cinemas - the Victory Palace and Art Deco Regal brought films, 3D screenings and Saturday clubs to Dorset

An Italian restaurant in Bournemouth has been ordered to demolish an unauthorised extension after planning enforcement officers ruled it harms neighbours and ruins the character of the street

A plot of land with planning permission for a drive-through restaurant is set to go under the hammer.

Safeguard Community Support warns it could close before winter without public donations, as the Bournemouth volunteer patrol group launches an urgent SOS funding appeal.

Two premises were targeted during a multi-agency operation tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and cigarettes.

David Sidwick and Donna Jones have warned that children with special educational needs and disabilities risk being drawn into crime.

A bright green road bike was stolen last month from near a gym in Poole.

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

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.