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

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

The DFL Women & Girls Tournament returns to Dorset County Ground, Poole, on 28 June 2026 with an expanded format and new U18 girls’ category.

Residents of a Bournemouth street are in uproar as they claim BCP Council is dishing out fines for rubbish it has failed to collect.

A NIGHTCLUB that claimed to ‘shut every other club in Bournemouth’ is at risk of being struck off and dissolved.

A SERIES of planning decisions affecting several Dorset villages has been released by Dorset Council, with Piddletrenthide and Buckland Newton seeing notable changes.

A New Forest group has raised more than £2,200 for the RNLI.

Wimborne named Dorset's Town of Culture 2026. MP Vikki Slade celebrates the win, highlighting local heritage, events, and arts in Parliament.

BCP Council enforces temporary parking suspension on The Quay, Bournemouth, for W&S Recycling waste removal from 25 Feb 2026 to 31 Mar 2026.

An officer who has collected evidence from dozens of children to help put a paedophile behind bars has been named Investigator of the Year.

A homeowner has reacted with fury after learning town hall planners are backing an illegal concrete wall that is blocking her sea view.

A BELOVED Bournemouth beach festival could be making a comeback next year.

A CARE worker lied to the family of a vulnerable patient and continued providing care despite being struck off for theft.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Swanage Railway marks 50 years of restoration at Corfe Castle station, celebrating original volunteers’ efforts in reviving the heritage Dorset train line.

Dorset Council urges private landlords to prepare for the Renters Rights Act 2025, with key reforms including ending Section 21 evictions.

Visible Women, a Lucy Sewill portrait exhibition at Dorset Museum, spotlights gender inequality and ageism in British acting, 7 March–28 April 2026.

The village of Bishop's Caundle, which is close to Sherborne, is home to Dorset's best-performing primary school

New Forest District Council proposes a balanced £80m 2026-27 budget, focusing on essential services, financial stability, and sustainable local funding.

Jack Whitehall announces 2027 UK arena tour Bad Influence, with dates at Bournemouth BIC and Brighton Centre. Tickets on sale 20 February 2026.

Dorset exporters urged to prepare for new EU €3 duty on parcels under €150 from July 2026. Azets warns of rising costs, compliance and operational impact.

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs appoints Sarah Phillips as interim COO to lead specialist assistance dog training in south England.

The Lighthouse Poole hosts the premiere of Richard Blackford’s The Black Lake, performed by Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Salomon Orchestra, and Felix Kemp.

Government launches £1bn Local Power Plan to boost community-owned renewable energy across the UK. Dorset Community Energy set to benefit from green investment.

Heartwood Inns launches its Reasons to Visit campaign across 35 UK pubs, offering themed events, Sunday roasts, and community-focused experiences nationwide.

Nourish Community Larder in Blandford marks 5,000 shops, tackling food poverty with Faithworks, offering choice, support and courses for Dorset residents.

A new Seafood inspired restaurant is making waves with glowing reviews.

Sgt Karen Brown of Bournemouth South named Sergeant of the Year at the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Awards for dedication after surgery and team leadership.

Wessex U15 boys volleyball team qualify for Super 6’s after unbeaten run at National Volleyball Cup in Weymouth.

A town council has removed a storm-damaged tree at the Recreation Ground after determining it could no longer be safely retained.

Dorset Council to resurface 10 priority car parks from 23 February, improving safety, accessibility and bay sizes. £350,000 investment across Dorset.

Orphaned baby orangutan Sammie joins Monkey World’s specialist crèche in Dorset, receiving expert care after failed introductions at Chester Zoo.

UK business owners rush to complete sales as Ellis Jones Solicitors reports increased demand ahead of April 2026 Capital Gains Tax and BADR rate rises.

A Clarendon Fine Art study finds UK parents avoid museums and galleries over fears they're "too adult orientated" and worry children won't be welcome.

UKHSA report links 270 winter deaths in South West to cold weather in 2024-25. Vulnerable groups at higher risk; public urged to take action during cold snap.

Young Dorset writers shine in new anthology from Bournemouth University-based charity The Story Works, celebrating creativity and confidence.

Award-winning documentary The Banjo Boys, about Malawi’s Madalitso Band, premieres in Dorset at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre during FES Film Festival, 18 April.

Planned works on Verwood road have been delayed after resident raised concerns about traffic congestion, ongoing A338 works and impact on young people taking GCSE and A Level exams.

A FIRST homegrown political conference took place in Bournemouth, where people of all ages and backgrounds came together to discuss visions for the future.

A monthly event hosting readers and authors has found a new home in Southbourne.

A pharmacy group has taken over and reopened the doors to prominent community locations following abrupt closures last year.

A NEW Lounge café and bar is set to open on Poole Quay next month, creating around 30 jobs.

Join Dorset Wildlife Trust at Kingcombe Visitor Centre on Friday, March 6 for a history talk and guided walk around the “farm that time forgot”.

Dorset Police Chief Constable Amanda Pearson announces retirement after 33 years in policing, including three years leading the force. Read her statement.

Dilly Lane, Hampshire, will be closed from 11 February 2026 for Circet pole works, 8am–6pm. Alternative routes via Grove Road and Barton Court Avenue advised.

A GAS engineer with no training ‘put lives at risk’ after fitting a dangerous boiler which could have caused carbon monoxide poisoning, says the health and safety executive.

Golf lovers who prefer a relaxed game without the pressure of crowds or long walks can now tee off in the comfort of a simulator on a free launch day.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

The rare green forest hoverfly is thriving in the New Forest.