Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

NHS flu vaccine is free for eligible people until March 31, 2027. Find out who qualifies and how to book online.

An old round pound struck in 2011 is now fetching up to £60 on online auction sites

I tried five hot chocolates from different coffee shop chains (Starbucks, Greggs, Costa Coffee, Hotel Chocolat and Caffè Nero) and one came out on top.

Costa Coffee has submitted plans for a new location on Commercial Road.

Dorset charity MYTIME Young Carers has won Charity of the Year at the Great British Business Awards 2026, supporting young carers on September 25.

New Forest’s copper and gold colours earn it a place in the global top 15 for colourful autumn destinations.

The world-renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy will take to the stage at the Bournemouth Pavilion on Wednesday, November 11, as part of his Virtuoso tour.

Fordingbridge Choral Society has announced a special concert to honour a late, much-loved member

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), written and directed by Isobel McArthur, will run at Lighthouse Poole from January 26 to January 30 as part of its UK tour.

Plans to convert a building in Bournemouth into a vehicle repair shop and MOT station have been submitted to improve facilities to accommodate electric cars.

Almost one in every four pounds spent on holidays with Bournemouth-based Not Just Travel in September went on a cruise, up from fewer than one in five.

Gullivers Farm Shop and Kitchen in West Moors, Dorset, has been earning praise for its service and food among other factors

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a self-build detached home in Poole.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole drivers face road closures and temporary road works in October due to BCP Council and utility works. Expect delays

Nostalgic 1980s photos capture Dorset’s love of animals, showcasing people, pets and livestock and the county’s long-standing animal welfare tradition.

A Bournemouth aerospace welder is offering free one-to-one training for teenagers to help address a looming skills shortage and inspire the next generation of welders.

The military tattoo will return after more than 400 performers took part in its successful debut event.

A historic village hall in the New Forest has reopened following a £500,000 refurbishment project which was hit by a major vandalism incident.

A new security system at a specialist toilet in Bournemouth has been criticised as “not fit for purpose” after repeated failures left residents unable to access the facility.

A NEW indoor padel club has opened near Wimborne.

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.