A MAN was caught on CCTV slapping his girlfriend outside a shop, a court has heard.

240-mile steam service was the lifeline connecting the industrial heartlands of Manchester and the Midlands to the golden beaches of the South Coast,

Dorset experienced its second wettest winter since 1836 after Storm Chandra claimed one life and led to evacuations of a residential park in Christchurch.

TWO BESTFRIENDS are taking on an “extraordinary challenge” climbing the UK’s three highest peaks to raise awareness about mental health particularly among men in memory of their friend.

A man who vandalised a Bournemouth MP’s office has been banned from Boscombe street more than a year.

Concerns about public toilets are increasingly being linked to wider issues of confidence, independence and loneliness across Dorset.

Salterns Way in Poole has been ranked among Britain's most expensive streets outside of London for 2026, according to Rightmove

Meet ex-international rugby stars Greig Tonks and Topsy Ojo at Lyfe Health, Bournemouth, for a special 2026 Six Nations community event, 11 March.

Bournemouth MP Tom Hayes urges residents to share stories backing step-free access at Pokesdown Station after BCP Council's funding cut threatens upgrades.

MP Vikki Slade hosts cross-party roundtable in Parliament to tackle low dementia diagnosis rates, care standards and support in Dorset and the South West.

An inquest has been opened after a man died following a fall at hospital.

Phytoplankton produce oil inside their cells as a way of storing energy and helping them remain buoyant in the water.

The Historic New Forest Businesses Exhibition is being held at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst.

Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club will host a charity bookstall on April 4.

Taxi prices in the New Forest could be on the rise following an increase in fees drivers and operators have to pay.

A hearing into controversial plans to build 82 homes was halted after it emerged that a proposed legal agreement was "flawed"

A Hampshire MP has warned that plans to impose charges at scores of Forestry England car parks across the New Forest could cause chaos

Classic car auction at Haynes Motor Museum on 26 March features restoration projects, including a 1970 Jaguar E-type and 1966 Austin Mini Cooper.

The Joy and Lance Collier Fund, managed by Dorset Community Foundation, marks 10 years supporting Bournemouth charities and local good causes across Dorset.

Major traffic measures are set to impact two roads in Lyndhurst starting Monday 23rd March 2026.

WIMBOURNE SHOWGROUND is the place to be as we enter the warmer months as it kicks off with car boot sales from the end of March.

Easter rail works will disrupt Dorset train travel as Network Rail closes the Winchester–St Denys line for upgrades. Buses replace trains; expect delays.

Bournemouth veteran Philip Carpenter to tackle Arctic 6633 Ultra for Walking With The Wounded, raising funds for veterans’ mental health and family support.

Folk star Seth Lakeman announces 2026 UK tour celebrating 20 years of Freedom Fields, with a live show in Christchurch. Tickets for Regent Theatre on sale soon.

Wessex Water faces £6.4m annual costs due to blockages from flushed wet wipes and sanitary products. Experts warn of rising water bills and pollution risks.

Dorset Business Angels appoints Valeria Romano as Advisor for Women in Business, boosting support and investment access for female founders and investors.

Year 6 pupils at Kinson Academy complete Books and Stories literacy programme run in partnership with Bournemouth University.

Dr Louise Newson brings her "Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones" UK tour to Bournemouth, tackling female hormone myths, health, and mental wellbeing.

The Tank Museum in Bovington has received VisitEngland’s Quality Assured Attraction status for its excellent visitor experience, exhibits and top service.

Wimborne Rotary’s Great Santa Stour Fun Run raises £1,500 for Julia’s House children’s hospice, supporting its new premises and vital local care services.

Wimborne in Bloom's Wine and Wisdom Quiz at the Allendale Centre raised over £1,000 for summer planting of Flower Towers and planters in Wimborne.

New early years SEND centre opens in Christchurch from BCP Council and Dingley’s Promise, offering support for children with special educational needs.

Students from SWRAC in Wimborne visited Morebus Poole depot, gaining insight into bus operations, transport careers, and SEND work experience opportunities.

JD Wetherspoon pubs in Bournemouth and Poole mark St Patrick’s Day with Guinness from £3.49, Brogue Irish Red, whiskey offers and more special deals.

Colten Care homes in Dorset and Hampshire mark World Book Day 2024 with themed events, from Alice in Wonderland tea parties to Treasure Island adventures.

Hastings Road, Poole, will close between Kitchener and Gough Crescents for electrical works from 28 March–12 April 2026. Check BCP Council updates.

Higher Blandford Road in Poole will close from 16–26 March 2026 for Wessex Water works, says BCP Council. Diversions in place; emergency access maintained.

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole roads to close in March for micro surfacing works. BCP Council warns of parking bans and possible penalty charges.

Bondabang Family Ltd seeks a licence to sell alcohol daily at Unit 1 Calendula Place, Bournemouth. Public comments to BCP Council invited until 19 March 2026.

Moortown Lane, Ringwood, will close for up to four days from 16 March 2026 for Kier Ltd water works. Alternative route via Green Lane, Long Lane.

Winchelsea School plans expansion of early years and Post-16 SEND provision in Poole with BCP Council; proposed satellite at Stanley Green.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A new neighbourhood watch group has been formed after residents said they saw an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour around Wallisdown.

THE OWNERS of a Poole pub celebrating nearly two centuries of serving the community say it has been an honour to become part of its legacy.

An inquest has been opened after a man from Poole died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Bournemouth 7s Festival have announced their full line up for 2026, stating that it's the 'biggest line up in 19 years'.

Protesters rallied together outside Barclays Bournemouth in outrage over its links to a controversial MBR acres which they state is a 'beagle puppy farm'.

A CHARITY variety show is set to bring the community together for one "wonderful night" to raise funds for a Poole toddler battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Corfe Castle will be illuminated in striking purple lights next week as part of a unique display to mark International Champ1 Awareness Day.

WILDLIFE in Dorset inspires this local artist’s incredible carving and paint work.