If you're looking for a Dorset Boxing Day walk, then the Hartland Moor route on the Isle of Purbeck might do the job

PEOPLE considering cold water swimming this winter are being reminded of the importance of knowing what to do if they begin to struggle in the water, to help avoid panic and stay safe.

COMMUNITY groups across Dorset are being urged to apply for capital funding to help improve or create local facilities, with the latest round of Dorset Council’s capital leverage fund closing soon.

Passengers crossing the Sandbanks Chain Ferry on Christmas Day were given a festive welcome by volunteers from Poole Lifeboat Station, who spent the day collecting donations for the RNLI.

Three town councils in Dorset have called for an increased police presence to address safety concerns

Churches Living Group has raised more than £1,000 and donated more than 250 presents to disadvantaged children this Christmas.

Volunteers who work to maintain and develop five stations on the Isle of Purbeck heritage line have received ten awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in a regional competition.

As pupils prepare for the Christmas break for some time away from education, some families will already be planning for the year ahead.

A 1982 Lotus Esprit Turbo has been sent to auction after 'slime' and green moss developed over the car in its 30 year storage.

Sandbanks has grown from a deserted windswept wilderness into one of the most exclusive real estate markets in the world.

Students at Bournemouth University (BU) had a visit from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing team to film a segment for the show’s finale on Saturday night.

Customers at Bournemouth stores have contributed to the 16,651 meals’ worth donated across the county as part of the Tesco Winter Food Collection.

Residents at a care home were treated to a festive evening after welcoming visitors from the 3rd Poole Sea Scouts.

The last day to return gifts to Amazon, M&S, Next, ASOS, Apple, Argos, B&M, John Lewis, Waterstones, Boots, Currys, Dunelm and lots more

Don't get caught out recycling incorrectly this Christmas - how to avoid getting a fine by your local council

Christmas is known for being the time of year when lots of food is consumed and if you've got leftovers, you can waste less by using these recipes.

Thousands gathered on Boscombe beach for the annual Macmillan White Christmas Day dip.

A MAN was arrested for driving offences before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Julia's House Christmas tree recycling service will return for January 2026.

An act of kindness from students has made a difference in the community this winter.

A Bournemouth teen is gearing up to compete in a prestigious sporting event as it enters its one hundredth year.

Every street, block and village has that one person others naturally turn to – the neighbour who checks in on people living alone, the friend who always finds time to listen, or the quiet helper who appears whenever someone is struggling.

A historic wedding venue has been named regional winner at recent industry awards.

Father Christmas has been busy delivering gifts across the world today.

A Poole firm will operate under a new name in 2026.

The farm shop also scooped the Contribution to the Community award, highlighting the ongoing commitment Hockey's has to local producers.

Pictures of the seafront often capture the vibrant energy of the Lower Gardens or the colourful, solar-powered beach huts at Hengistbury Head, where the harbour meets the sea - but these pictures show something different - the shops

BCP Cabinet has voted unanimously to approve a new waste management strategy from 2026 to 2036.

Children singing carols brought joy to a local care home full of elderly residents during the festive season.

East Dorset Heritage Trust has announced new programme of events and courses for 2026.

More than 40 acts will perform when a popular music festival returns next year.

The annual Spartans fancy dress dip was held on Christmas Day on the beaches of Boscombe - as these pictures from 2005 show.

BCP Council says they are no longer getting funding for a new Free Special School adding that £9million funding for SEND spaces in school is ‘significantly less’ than what they were awarded previously.

Care home residents got into the Christmas spirit with a special choir performance at Highcliffe Castle.

ALMOST £8,000 has been raised to help support people in need across west Dorset this Christmas

Dorset Way closed after two vehicle collision.

A WOMAN has died after she was found unresponsive in Ferndown, say police.

Major four‑month roadworks will begin in Bournemouth early next year as part of BCP Council’s plans to improve bus travel across the town.

A MUTILATED mouse was found with its limbs removed and string attached to try and ‘lure pet cats’ - as owners are being warned to be vigilant.

Is Dorset set to see a white Christmas this year? Forecasters from the area have shared their views.

Bournemouth's Christmas Day Dip for 2025 will be taking place next to Boscombe Pier, and here's all you need to know including the start time

POOLE MP welcomed the labour government’s new animal welfare strategy, describing it as a major step towards strengthening protections for animals and closing loopholes in existing hunting laws.

Dorset Council’s tenancy sustainment officer offers early intervention and support to help residents avoid homelessness and secure permanent housing.

Choirmaster Gareth Malone explored a number of homes in the New Forest as part of an episode of Celebrity Escape to the Country

A 19-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a 'stabbing' in Boscombe.

A woman in her 60s was arrested on suspicion of driving offences after being stopped by officers in Wimborne.

A yellow cold-health alert has been issued for Dorset over the Christmas period, warning that cold weather could pose an increased risk to vulnerable residents.

A severe weather emergency protocol has been activated by the council following a cold weather alert.

A domestic abuser who shot, slashed and forced his partner into an overdose has been arrested in Thailand after fleeing the country.

Christmas Eve closing times for various supermarkets such as Asda, Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsbury's will be important information for some shoppers