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 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.

A SLIP road is blocked after a reported crash in Upton

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.

The New Forest Marque is celebrating locally sourced food and drink with the 'Great New Forest Marque Breakfast'.

Improvement works at a council depot started before planning was approved, a meeting heard.

UK government launches consultation on stricter fireworks laws, noise limits and public sale, after campaigns by Tom Hayes MP and petitions on fireworks safety.

Kaiser Chiefs to headline Poole Harbour Festival 2026 for its 10th anniversary, joined by Heather Small, Groove Armada and more.

Fires and Fascism, a new documentary by Dr Pete Knapp, screens in Dorset on 28 April, exploring southern Europe’s wildfires, climate change, and politics.

Over 1,100 new and replacement ambulances delivered to NHS trusts across England to boost emergency care, modernise fleets and reduce A&E waiting times.

Southern Water begins final £2m phase of £10m sewer upgrade in Ashurst Bridge near Totton and the New Forest, enhancing Hampshire’s wastewater resilience.

Dorset residents invited to flood support drop-in events with Environment Agency & Dorset Council after record winter rainfall.

Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale and Shane Richie bring The Prat Pack’s Back UK tour to Bournemouth BIC in 2026. Tickets on sale 10 April.

Most UK drivers think individuals, not brands, should be fined for littering, AA research shows. Majority reject company fines for branded packaging on roads.

Forest Bounds, a new exhibition at SPUDWORKS Sway, explores place and identity in the New Forest, linking to Venice and featuring AUB artists.

Wildfires on Dorset heathland near Sandford and Wareham spark major emergency response, threaten wildlife, and prompt police investigation into arson.

BPCA urges Dorset residents to protect bumblebees nesting in gardens, sheds, and roofs. Get expert advice on bee identification and conservation in the UK.

A couple whose baby daughter died from sepsis are raising awareness of the condition through a series of fundraising events in her memory.

The Conservative announcement that they will not be taking part in next month's Poole Town Council elections (Echo 3 April) had drawn criticism - accusations that Poole Conservatives had “clearly abandoned Poole” (Echo 2 April).

Sovereign Network Group’s In Bloom gardening competition returns to Dorset, with RHS and Beardy Gardener Leigh Johnstone. Entries close 30 June 2026.

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne, run by Barchester Healthcare, celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking Ramadan's end with residents joining local festivities.

Aldi urges Dorset shoppers to donate pet food in-store for National Pet Month, supporting local charities amid rising pet care costs.

War artist George Butler headlines the 2026 Sturminster Newton Literary Festival, joined by Damien Lewis, Kate Werran and others. June 12–21 in Dorset.

Experience the Great British Film Orchestra at St Peter’s Church, Ashley Cross, on 11 April 2026, performing iconic film music by John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Hurn Court Opera and Arts University Bournemouth students collaborate on 1930s-inspired costumes for Verdi’s La Traviata, supporting emerging UK opera talent.

Westbourne Networking Breakfast returns 21 April at 82 Poole Road, Bournemouth. Join business owners and leaders for networking and a keynote by Sarina Mann.

Saffery’s Bournemouth office announces internal promotions: James Woodward, Edward Holly and Katie Taylor step up as the Dorset accountancy firm grows.

Barratt David Wilson Homes raised £5,000 for homeless veterans by joining The Great Tommy Sleep Out, supporting RBLI and UK veterans’ homelessness awareness.

East Dorset beekeepers advise contacting their Swarm Coordinator if you spot a honeybee swarm in your garden. Guidance for safe bee removal and support.

Dacombes of Wimborne merges with Holmans, uniting 180 years of electrical retail history. Expanded team brings expert service to Dorset customers.

The Caravan Club seeks a premises licence for New Forest Centenary Campsite, Bransgore, to sell alcohol, host entertainment, and serve late-night refreshments.

Falkeoje Events Limited seeks a premises licence for The Old Post Office, Bournemouth, for alcohol sales, live music, and late-night refreshment from May 2026.

Ozcan Urel of Cafe Aroma, Wimborne, has applied to Dorset Council for an alcohol licence. Public representations on the application close 22 April.

A popular pub in Christchurch has temporarily closed to undergo a six-figure spring refurbishment with plans to reopen in May.

A teaching assistant is hoping rare Pokémon cards found in an attic after 20 years could help pay for his wedding - after being estimated to sell for £25,000.

A new jewellers has opened its doors in Bournemouth Arcade.

A 35-YEAR-OLD man has been charged for an offence of murder after a 41-year-old man died on Charminster Road, Bournemouth.

More than 10 arrests were made following an unlicensed music event in East Lulworth over the weekend.

A seaside hotel in Bournemouth is reopening it's doors following a significant £2 million refurbishment and new ownership.

Using artificial intelligence image tools, a series of pictures imagining how locations in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole may look in 100 years time have been generated.

A tech millionaire from Poole transforms single mum’s life in a powerful episode of Rich House, Poor House.

Two men have been injured following a group assault at a popular beach

A powerlifter from Bournemouth has set multiple new British records at a recent qualifying event.

A woman who was arrested following the death of an infant in Christchurch has been released under investigation.