A COMMUNITY has rallied together to help save a beloved horse which has played a life-changing role in supporting military personnel, disabled riders, children, and families in Dorset

The Cherries have announced that Vitality will be taking the place of controversial betting sponsor BJ88 on the front of their shirt from next season.

With two games left in 2025, Blandford were under pressure to maintain top spot in what was becoming a three-way title race.

The ship had entered the English Channel in appalling weather conditions and the storms had driven her so far off course/

Bournemouth Rugby’s Pride of Lions network recently welcomed pioneering women’s rugby coach, Mark Francis as guest speaker for a lunch event held at South Deep in Parkstone.

AN APPRENTICE fell 11ft through a roof and was temporarily unable to walk – now two businesses have been fined for breaching health and safety regulations.

Four members of Parliament across the South East have criticised Evri for what they describe as repeated failures to deliver parcels safely, with reports of items being “dumped” in public spaces across the region.

Changes to a sports bar in Bournemouth form part of wider improvement plans for the venue.

MORE than 20 vehicles crashed into livestock in the New Forest in November.

TWO people have been issued with fixed penalty notices following a large fly-tip.

Here is the final route for the WillDoes Christmas Tractor Run that will pass through Dorset on Sunday, December 14

A feasibility study to develop on offshore wind port facility in Dorset has been given the go-ahead.

A shake-up across Dorset’s hospitals aims to cut waiting times and deliver more care in the community, says University Hospitals Dorset (UHD).

Santa’s Fire Sleigh returns to Poole! Local firefighters tour Waterloo Estate, raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and spreading festive cheer.

BCP Council approves SEND school transport overhaul, aiming for tailored, efficient services to support independence, reduce costs and improve journey times.

Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal in Dorset raises funds for families displaced by conflict in the DRC, with festive events like Wimborne’s Christmas Eve lunch.

Marsh fritillary butterfly numbers soar in Dorset thanks to Butterfly Conservation and local volunteers, with record counts reported at Lydlinch Common.

Over 100 cyclists joined a superhero-themed spinathon at West Hants Club, Bournemouth, raising £5,000 for Dorset Mind. Supported by AFC Bournemouth Ladies and Colten Care.

Dorset builders swap traditional builder’s tea for green, Earl Grey and herbal brews, according to David Wilson Redrow South West construction site survey.

Labour unveils £3.5bn plan to halve rough sleeping, end unlawful B&Bs for families, and boost homelessness prevention in Bournemouth and the South West.

A beloved otter which was a "leading figure" in conservation efforts for giant otters in the UK.

Bournemouth Water offers free water-saving devices under its 'Come Rain or Shine' campaign to help customers cut water usage and reduce bills year-round.

Wessex Water earns BSI Kitemark for Inclusive Service, recognising outstanding support for vulnerable customers, accessibility, and community outreach.

Join free coastal walks in Swanage with Future Coast North Swanage to learn about cliff erosion, coastal management, and Cliff Behaviour Units. Dates in 2026.

My annual precept survey is now open, and once again I’m asking residents across Dorset for their views on the policing element of next year’s council tax.

Dorset Council to upgrade Creekmoor to Upton Country Park route with safer crossings, widened footways, and improved cycleways from January 12. A35 works included.

Ferndown’s Affinity Group ranks 97th in Accountancy Age Top 50+50 UK Accountancy Firms 2025, recognising growth, client service, and local talent.

Dorset ranks as the UK’s fourth most popular relocation spot, attracting 4,750 newcomers in 2024, according to Bird & Co and ONS migration data.

Karen Watts, previously living with obesity and fibromyalgia, is now "worlds apart" after shedding 6 stone 1.5lbs with the help of Slimming World.

"I think the genius of Camp Bestival is the multigenerational raving: it’s kind of for kids but it’s kind of for adults too."

Soroptimist International Bournemouth announces 2025 art competition winners from Arts University Bournemouth, highlighting gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism.

"It is something generations of people have enjoyed and we are very pleased to play a small part in keeping it open."

MP is calling to give council powers to restrict junk food advertising near schools and other places where young people spend considerable periods of time.

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour unveils new Highfield RIB ‘Snipe’ for Beaulieu River patrols after £2m redevelopment, offering marina offices and new facilities.

Dorset’s The Strange Apothecary wins Dream Team at Flamingo Business Awards 2024 for holistic wellbeing services, plant-based remedies, and community support.

Join the Boscombe Christmas fundraiser for Cancer Research UK at Chaplin’s on 20 December. Enjoy live music, family activities, and festive fun for charity.

SplatLab, a new Bournemouth art studio, offers paint-splat sessions, street-art workshops, and creative wellbeing experiences for all ages. Book online now.

Minister for Education Josh MacAlister visits St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Poole to praise GB Energy solar panels, saving £8,500 yearly and boosting sustainability.

BCP Council secures £313k MHCLG funding to support homelessness prevention in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, aiding at-risk households and landlords.

The Archdeacon of Bournemouth will be the next Bishop of Grimsby, Downing Street has announced.

Experience a wartime Christmas at Dorset’s Tank Museum in Bovington. Enjoy 1940s festive activities, Elf Trail, talks and family fun from 20 Dec–4 Jan.

Poole Museum unveils 'Sound of the Sea', an immersive digital exhibition by Marpi Studio. Explore interactive underwater worlds in The Fine Gallery, Poole.

RURAL mounted volunteers from Dorset have won another award being crown Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year.

PUPILS at Hillside First School in Verwood have been busy writing Christmas stories to help bring some festive cheer to others in the community.

SPECSSAVER has announced that its Bournemouth town centre branch will close permanently later this year.

A man accused of intentionally setting the Bournemouth International Centre on fire has pleaded guilty in court.

Royal Mail, Evri, DPD and Parcelforce have shared their latest recommended posting dates for your post to arrive in time for Christmas

A police presence is continuing in Broadstone days after the 'unexplained' death of a woman aged in her 80s

A MAN convicted of murdering a woman, and trying to kill another, in a random stabbing attack has told police where he hid the murder weapon – but they still have not found it.

A driver arrested on suspicion of a driving offence after single vehicle collision in Poole.