Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Three men reportedly used an axe to smash into a conservatory and steal a safe.

Plans to keep Bournemouth’s Christmas Market for a further five years have been submitted to BCP Council

The following cases were heard at Weymouth Magistrates' Court:

Flat owners say they have lost everything after a coffee shop allegedly caused major structural defects, making their properties worthless.

A town councillor is putting forward a plan to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth

A man has gone viral after cleaning dirty road signs in a bid to make roads 'safer' across Dorset.

A shop owner has described the terrifying moment he says he was forced to defend his store for around 20 minutes after an alleged shoplifting incident escalated into violence.

The Cherries have announced that Mr Q, the online casino, is to become the club’s official sleeve partner.

Fordingbridge Rotary Club hosted its annual Duck Race as part of this year’s Fordingbridge Park Fest, a family-friendly celebration of sport, art, and community that took place on Saturday, July 18.

SCRUTINY committee members have welcomed the ‘good’ rating given to Dorset Council’s adult social care services.

SCALING back verge grass cutting has left many parts of Dorset looking untidy and, in some cases, unsafe, councillors claim.

After hearing that a significant algal bloom had taken over the place where I first learnt to sail, kayak and windsurf, I decided to head down to Poole Park and see it for myself.

The air was bone-chilling, the pavements slick with frost, but neither sub-zero temperatures nor the early hour could deter the throngs of bargain hunters.

A community has been raising thousands of pounds in memory of a 12-year-old “brave son and much-loved brother” who passed away from a life-limiting genetic condition last month

A car has overturned in an incident in Bournemouth this evening and police, ambulance and fire service are all at the scene

A celebration of countryside life is returning for another year of fun.

A fire on farmland near Wool has caused damage to an area the size of approximately six football pitches.

A popular café has confirmed it will be closing its Christchurch premises after a "very quiet summer".

A necklace with a distinctive green stone was stolen after two intruders were allegedly caught inside a parked vehicle in Poole.

Residents in Christchurch have raised concerns about a group of travellers who have settled in a local park.

A man has reportedly been committing acts of "outraging public decency" in the naturist section of Studland beach and Police are appealing for information.

A celebration of archaeology is set to spark curiosity and exploration across the South West.

Purbeck Film Festival returns for its 30th year from August 15 with open-air screenings across Purbeck's most extraordinary locations.

The 'Roads to Rail' steam rally from Swanage Railway will take place from June 26 to June 28 near Norden station and Purbeck Park

More than 40 pre-1957 Citroën vehicles visited Purbeck Mining Museum in Norden as part of the three-day Jurassic Coast Rally.

Helen Goldsack, chief executive of Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, has retired after 27 years with the organisation.

For the first time in 80 years, Purbeck will welcome the return of the Famous Five through a collaboration between the National Trust and Blyton Books.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has been selected as Charity of the Year by Isle of Purbeck Golf Club’s Seniors Captain, Stuart Hopkins.