PLANS for a new Aldi foodstore at Sturminster Newton’s North Dorset Business Park are among the latest planning applications submitted to Dorset Council.

There was a point back in the mid-2000s when Bournemouth earned a certain singular, and highly unlikely, national title.

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan leads cross-party call for an Essentials Guarantee, urging Universal Credit reforms to cover food, heating and hygiene needs.

MAN v FAT Football Bournemouth helps men with BMI over 27.5 lose weight through weekly football, shedding 71 stone in a year. Join for fitness and support.

Government caps student loan interest rates at 6% from September 2026, protecting UK graduates from inflation hikes. Applies to Plan 2 and Plan 3 loans.

Register to vote in the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole town council elections by 20 April 2026. Ensure you have photo ID. Apply for postal or proxy vote.

Dorset Police launch roadside drink driving checks at Port of Poole targeting motorists arriving by ferry or plane to tackle drink and drug driving offences.

Former Top Gear producer Jon Bentley has opened a £700,000 exhibition space at one of Hampshire's top attractions

A Hampshire-based artist is bringing her popular memory garden to a New Forest dog festival for the third year.

The release of a musical biographical film, a romantic comedy film, and a supernatural horror film to are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Bournemouth Pavilion unveils 2026 family shows, including Taylormania, Peppa Pig, Blood Brothers, Aladdin panto, and more. Family tickets available.

During a recent trip to Cherbourg, France - a town twinned with Poole - the first thing that struck me was how beautiful and vibrant Cherbourg is.

House sparrow tops RSPB’s 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch as UK bird numbers counted. Greenfinch decline prompts new RSPB bird feeder advice for gardens.

Greener Wimborne, Better Planet: New environmental learning series launches 20 April at The Reef, Colehill.

Experience Cuban culture in Poole as Carlos Acosta’s Cuban Dance Academy presents "Next Generation" at Lighthouse Poole, 9–10 June. Book your dance tickets now.

Kiteleys Solicitors in Poole names Dorset Cancer Care Foundation as its charity of the year, launching fundraising for DCCF to support families with cancer.

Four luxury homes on De Moulham Road, Swanage, developed by Westcoast Developments and Banyard, are now for sale with sea views and high-spec interiors.

Explore over 200 post-16 options at Bournemouth and Poole College’s final open day on 7 May, including T Levels, apprenticeships, and campus tours.

Brockenhurst's Wednesday Lunches at St Saviour’s Church marks 45,000 meals served since 1988, supporting elderly residents with community meals and friendship.

The Co-op Group and Southern Co-op plan to merge, creating a larger UK co-operative with 7.3 million members, subject to member and regulatory approval.

Breakin' Convention hip hop theatre festival returns to Lighthouse Poole, featuring world-class dancers, ILL-Abilities, Ivan Blackstock, and free local events.

Enjoy the free Festival of Sports and Active Leisure in Wimborne on 19 April, with activities for all ages. Part of Town of Culture and UPLIFT Youth Festival.

Michelle Reade Coaching, based in Wimborne, is a South West finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026, recognised for supporting business owners to avoid burnout.

The Museum of East Dorset launches Cup of Calm, a weekly drop-in at its Wimborne Garden Tea Room to support community, mental health, and social connection.

NHS-backed exercise scheme for people with Parkinson’s expands at Kingston Lacy, Dorset, in partnership with Parkinson’s UK and National Trust.

Discover Pennyfarthing Homes’ Muddy Boots Event at Danes Park, New Milton, on 18 April. Tour new energy-efficient homes and meet the sales team. RSVP now.

Ellis Jones Solicitors and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra celebrate 10 years of partnership, providing pro-bono legal support to boost BSO’s community impact.

143,000 bars of soap donated to New Forest for Ukraine charity in Lymington, supporting the Soup & Soap campaign. Backed by SoapAid and Glasgow the Caring City.

A man who travelled from Sheffield to an unlicensed music event described being 'forcefully pulled from the crowd and beaten to the ground' by police.

An animal rescue charity is 'deeply saddened' after their shop's signs and walls were been burned in an 'attack', leaving behind 'irreparable damage'.

ALMOST a thousand children in the county being educated at home may eventually lose that right – potentially adding extra costs for Dorset Council. Although most are expected to be able to continue as they are –  the right to home educate is lik...

A motorcyclist has raised thousands for the Nick Jonas Ward at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital after completing a charity ride from Scotland to Bournemouth in support of his partner, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Sunseeker has appointed former chief operating officer Steve Timms as interim CEO and confirmed its existing investors will take control of the business after a planned takeover collapsed.

Monkey World is set to celebrate the thirtieth birthday of a chimpanzee that was rescued from a circus trainer that held her in 'captive misery'.

A CYCLIST has said her injuries are “potentially life-changing” after a collision with a car in Poole left her with a broken neck and "immense pain"

A WOMAN has denied stabbing her dog as a trial has been set for allegedly causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Wimborne Friends of the Minster raised £300 at a well-attended Easter Saturday coffee morning in Church House, supporting local church fundraising efforts.

A MURDER accused has appeared in court and a trial date has been set after a man died in Charminster.

A BOURNEMOUTH resident with dual citizenship says he has been left “stranded” in Switzerland, unable to return home following new UK passport rules introduced by the government.

A FORMER AFC Bournemouth youth footballer is due to appear in crown court today charged with murder

A white stork, one of the UK's rarest birds, is becoming a 'local celebrity' being spotted by many in Dorset

UK drivers have been advised to fill up their vehicles with petrol and diesel before 5pm on Thursday.

Travellers have set up camp at a New Forest cemetery car park

A SLIP road is blocked after a crash between a car and a cyclist

A MISSING man who was last seen a week ago has been found by police.

A PEDESTRIAN was hospitalised after a reported hit and run in Bournemouth

Lost soul of the New Forest wandering 'in an unsound state'.

Bournemouth fans, the Handlebarmy Army, cycle 400 miles to Newcastle for AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United, raising funds for CLAPA and cleft charity.

The Ethnically Diverse Communities Project in BCP empowers minority groups with funding, training and support, backed by the National Lottery.

Road closures and parking restrictions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for special May events including Bike Nights, food festivals and charity runs.