The guns of the Great War had barely fallen silent when Frank Whittington came to the New Forest and started making the pine toys which would make his name.

Neil Duncan‑Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole, introduced the Hunting Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill to the House of Commons on Wednesday, July 15.

Looking for ways to keep the children entertained this summer holiday? From historic castles and wildlife encounters to farmyard fun and outdoor adventures, our local area is packed with family-friendly attractions.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A pub has scrapped plans to turn a horse paddock into an overflow car park.

New Forest Wildlife Park has welcomed a new pair of European grey wolves, marking the first time the animals have been at the park since October 2024.

A woman in her 40s was allegedly sexually assaulted in the water near Bournemouth pier around 6pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

A new Wetherspoons in the New Forest now has an opening date.

An animal that was once completely eradicated from the New Forest has been spotted thriving.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital after a motorcycle crash in Bournemouth.

Ten Dorset churches have been given £53,500 in grants for essential repairs and improvements by Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT).

A highly anticipated Sir Christopher Nolan film and an animated film based on a George Orwell novella are among films being shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Courthill Road, Poole, will close for highway maintenance from 27 July–21 August 2026. Diversions and parking restrictions apply. BCP Council update.

The Dorset Parky Striders brought the curtain down on another memorable season with a Gala Awards Ceremony held at the West Moors Bowls Club on July 12.

Here are the latest planning applications submitted to BCP Council for towns within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area

Saffery and Handelsbanken Dorset once again joined forces to host their popular bowling and networking afternoon at Argyll Bowling Club on the West Overcliff.

Discover how Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) may affect New Forest at the NFDC marquee, New Forest & Hampshire County Show, 28–30 July 2026.

June Judd, a resident at Ferndown Manor, marked her 100th birthday at the Care UK home on Golf Links Road with a special party.

The Embassy Centre, which was recently taken over by Bournemouth Gateway Club from BCP Council will close for refurbishment from August 5 to September 4.

SAMEE charity hosts a Poole exhibition at the Dolphin Centre, showcasing young entrepreneurs with disabilities and neurodiversity on August 6.

Butterfly Conservation, based in East Lulworth, Wareham is encouraging the public to take part in its annual Big Butterfly Count this summer.

Tracy-Ann Oberman is set to star in a new production of Present Laughter at Lighthouse Poole from October 13 to October 17.

Colour and Coast, by landscape painter Shelley Perry, will be on display at Durlston Country Park in the Fine Foundation Gallery from July 21 to August 4.

The Blue Pool, located near Wareham, will host its first-ever Fairy Day on Sunday, July 26, offering a day of enchantment and woodland fun for all.

Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck is inviting supporters to apply for a London Marathon spot and raise funds through the event.

Residents from Alexandra House in Parkstone are taking turns to holiday at Marjorie House in Lilliput, whilst building works are taking place

Beaulieu is taking part in the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings for an action-packed school holiday adventure, running until September 2.

Bournemouth’s Jade Chapman Collection shortlisted in seven categories at the 2026 Salon Awards, celebrating UK hairdressing excellence in London this November.

Edible Conversation, on display at Durlston Country Park from September 22 to October 8, marks 23 years of 15 Days In Clay, a Poole-based ceramics project.

Boscombe seafront residents say semi-permanent van dwellers have made it "absolutely horrendous" to leave their homes.

A 19-year-old court case has been dropped after prosecutors said they no longer wished to proceed.

A steakhouse restaurant in Bournemouth celebrated 15 years in trade by raising more than £1,500 for a cancer charity through a sponsored charity walk and the 'biggest steak challenge'.

Hundreds of residents gathered outside the BCP Civic Centre last night (15 July) to protest the current condition of Christchurch Harbour.

Residents in a high-rise flat in Poole are growing increasingly concerned with a pigeon infestation problem.

A play area is set to undergo a major refurbishment as part of a wider investment in children’s facilities.

A vibrant cultural celebration is set to bring colour and music to the seafront.

Hundreds of people were baptised in the sea along Bournemouth Beach in ceremonies held over two weekends in June.

Missed food waste collections have left bins crawling with maggots and the stink drifting down the street, with residents warning of a "health hazard".

A public survey in Dorset has revealed strong support for the use of live facial recognition technology in policing.

An electricity failure along a Bournemouth road led to two fires, people having to leave their homes and a power cut.

For many people with curly hair, a salon visit can often feel more stressful than relaxing.

The National Lottery is urging people to check their accounts, as more than 1.5 million players have cash waiting.

Ryanair has issued a new warning to millions travelling to Europe this summer to expect lengthy queues due to the EU's Entry/Exit System.

Under 16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks from April 2027 as part of new Government legislation

Weymouth Beach has been red flagged this afternoon with people rushing to get out of the water following sewage in the sea

The UK Government has responded after Argentina players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England by holding a banner about the Falkland Islands on the pitch

King Charles and Queen Camilla are the Hall and Woodhouse Badger Brewery in Blandford Forum today, marking the start of the brewery’s 250th anniversary celebrations

Progress continues to be made on the Cherries' Vitality Stadium expansion project with the stadium a flurry of activity as the club is working to ensure the stadium will be ready for the team's first home game on Saturday, August 29.

I'll be in Austria to cover the Cherries in their pre-season tour for the Daily Echo - subscribe now to not miss a moment.

DRONE footage shows the Cherries' progress on their Vitality Stadium project as work continues ahead of the new season.