A tough but beautiful marathon that was ranked among the UK’s best is set to return after a five-year hiatus.

A TEENAGER was reportedly sexually assaulted in a night club.

A woman has admitted possessing a fighting dog as well as committing a spate of shoplifting offences

A MAN made threats to kill a member of staff at a phone shop in Poole.

Built in 1727, this striking Grade II* listed building stands as a proud monument to the town’s Nonconformist past.

A New Forest baker who began making shortbread in her cottage kitchen after retiring is now seeing her treats stocked in pubs across the Forest.

A proposal to increase the occupancy of a HMO in Bournemouth has been refused by committee.

A Charli XCX-starring mockumentary, a prison drama starring a BAFTA winner and a new Gore Verbinski film are among films shown across BCP this weekend.

A proposal for 104 homes in Christchurch has been approved two years after plans were submitted.

Costa Coffee announces pay rise for over 16,000 UK staff from April 2026, with baristas earning up to £14.12 an hour. Includes London and national rates.

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan praises Bournemouth and Poole College for top apprenticeship training, industry links, and boosting Poole's local careers.

Tom Hayes MP backs new UK law forcing tech firms to swiftly remove non-consensual intimate images or face heavy fines. Victim protection prioritised.

A community centre studio has expanded its programme by launching a brand-new dance school alongside the wide range of activities and classes it already offers.

A woman who began cooking hot meals for her grandmother has grown the idea into a thriving meals on wheels service delivering 150 lunches a day across BCP.

Tops Day Nurseries partners with Wimborne Town FC to support grassroots football in Dorset, promoting active lifestyles for local children and families.

Upton Bay Care Home in Hamworthy celebrates Chinese New Year 2026 with dragon dance, themed activities, and cultural festivities for residents and staff.

A new public health and wellbeing strategy is being developed and BCP Council to shape the future of residents' health and wellbeing.

Wyatt Homes hosts a 'hard-hat' tour at Rivers Edge, Wimborne, offering buyers exclusive access to new-build homes, expert advice, and £35k cashback deals.

Critically acclaimed musical Our Little Hour: The Walter Tull Story comes to Lighthouse Poole, celebrating the pioneering black footballer and war hero.

The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage hosts ‘Another Night at The Mowlem’ on 22 May 2026 to fund new curtain tracks. Tickets from £14. Support local theatre!

PC John Barron named Colleague of the Year at the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Awards for key role in Op Lion and supporting Bournemouth police team.

Norovirus cases surge across UK hospitals, with NHS England warning of record winter vomiting bug levels. Public urged to follow hygiene and stay home if ill.

Care homes across Dorset celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 with dragon dances, Chinese food, crafts and tai chi, marking the Year of the Fire Horse.

NHS England breast screening attendance hits 10-year high, with nearly 20,000 cancers detected in 2024/25. Early detection rates rise as more women attend.

Ferndown Middle School pupils explore South East Asian music with Taiko drumming and Chinese lion dance, supported by Dorset Music Service.

West Stour residents invited to shape Neighbourhood Plan. Dorset Council opens consultation on local development, housing, and green spaces until 25 March 2026.

The reversal of government plans to delay some local elections (Echo 18 Feb) is being branded a U-turn.

Swanage’s Shore Road seafront upgrade plans progress, with Dorset Council proposing wider pavements, 20mph limit and public realm improvements.

Bournemouth folk musician Amy Hopwood's song featured on BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show. Her new album, Gone To Flowers, explores themes of mortality.

Woolley & Wallis confirms its Ringwood office remains fully operational after team changes, continuing property services across the New Forest and Avon Valley.

Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities hosts spring craft workshops in Christchurch and Wimborne, raising funds to support people with disabilities.

The Classic Rock Show wowed Poole’s Lighthouse with live performances of hits by The Who, Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple and more. UK tour celebrates rock legends.

Three Dorset and New Forest bookshops have been shortlisted for Independent Bookshop of the Year at the 2026 British Book Awards, celebrating creativity and community in the south west.

Dorset Art Weeks returns 23 May–7 June 2026 with 16 days of exhibitions, open studios, and workshops across 294 venues. Explore art, culture, and tourism.

BCP Council launches consultation on the Learning Disability Big Plan to improve support for adults with learning disabilities in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Colten Care homes in Dorset celebrated Shrove Tuesday with pancake flipping, races and nostalgic fun. Residents enjoyed demonstrations and favourite toppings.

IF I go to a restaurant and eat a meal, I don't then throw a tantrum, shouting and screaming at the top of my voice, because the people on the next table won't pay my bill.

BCP Council launches public consultation on Sandbanks sand dunes management. Have your say on coastal protection and habitat restoration.

Wimborne Minster Pancake Race 2026 saw 130+ participants, family fun, and charity fundraising. Winners from all ages, prizes from local sponsors.

Folk star Cara Dillon brings her acclaimed Christmas tour "Upon A Winter’s Night" to Lighthouse Poole on 12 December. Tickets on sale 27 February.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A barber who opened a shop at the age of 18 is celebrating a year of

Met Office forecasts a cloudy, breezy weekend with light rain for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Flood warnings remain in place for England.

20mph speed limit are to be introduced in 139 roads across Bournemouth.

AN 18-YEAR-old has died following a crash near Wareham last night.

Further heavy rain across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole overnight has seen road closures due to flooding - live updates here

WHAT started as a regular father and son fishing trip turned into an “extraordinary” discovery when the duo pulled ordnance from the river stour.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has officially launched its bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028 – a title that could bring £3 million to the area to fund a year-long programme of cultural events if successful.

Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 2am if England make it to the knockout stage at this summer’s football World Cup.

A former Chinese restaurant is up for sale for just over £1 million on Lyndhurst High Street in the New Forest.