The A31 remains closed in both directions as fire is contained. Latest updates as we get them.

The children dressed as spiders, beetles and ladybirds for an ugly bug ball at the Poole school on July 20, 1999.

Parking rules across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been consolidated into a single document.

Two men were hospitalised after a fight broke out at a Co-op store in Bournemouth.

A major New Forest fire sparked a day of chaos across Hampshire after a van fire on the A31 spread into more than 100 hectares of heathland.

Marcus, who began volunteering at Poole Waste Not Want Not (PWNWN) community shop in December 2024, has secured a job with Rockley Park Haven.

The Tank Museum’s popular Warhorse to Horsepower exhibition will close on August 31, after 12 years on display

The annual Ride and Stride in support of Dorset Historic Churches Trust takes place on Saturday 12th September from 10am

Dacombes of Wimborne took home three awards at the 2026 IER Awards, including Best Overall Independent Retailer Focused on Sustainability.

A Dorset charity is helping families of disabled young people prepare for a major life transition.

Hammersley Homes is celebrating a highly successful three days at the New Forest Show

The 26th Annual Duck Race to be staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom will take place on the River Allen on Saturday 29th August 2026 at 3pm.

The Wimborne Gardening Club is calling for last-minute entries for its Late Summer Show next month

£10,000 in funding came from The Roger Raymond Charitable Trust and was awarded to YMCA Bournemouth’s Move-On Project.

Clinical, digital and nursing teams at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) have created an electronic alcohol withdrawal assessment.

A survey found 31 per cent of drivers faced with parking fees of £20 to £30 for a day at the coast would either leave immediately or pay once but never return.

On September 9 at the PIG hotel, James Aldred will be talking about his new book, A Wagon In The Woods.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are being invited to help shape the future of heritage in their communities.

The Green Party has joined calls for BCP Council to release a list of all its owned and leased land and properties.

Children have been accused of terrorising a Ferndown suburb with a slingshot, with residents warning "this cannot continue.”

Morebus suspends services in Turlin Moor following bus window incident

A banana plant has fruited outdoors in a Poole garden, an understandably rare occurrence which is thanks to this summer’s soaring temperatures.

A developer’s bid to turn a tiny garage in Sandbanks into a two-bedroom home has been rejected.

A PLANNING policy clash could scupper plans to convert a Sherborne hotel into extra care apartments.

A WEST Lulworth building could be changed into a seasonal hot food takeaway.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Dedicated patrols targeting poachers and hare coursers have been launched in Dorset.

The council is going to considering a motion to address traffic congestion and air quality.

Finalised concept designs have been released for revamps at eight play spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, costing more than £1.4 million.

A New Forest farm shop has been recognised among the world’s top food and drink producers after winning four awards at this year’s prestigious Great Taste Awards.

Armed police were deployed to a train station following reports that two men had been seen carrying suspected firearms in Poole.

A serving officer from the Dorset Police force has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a Public Office and Data Protection Act offences.

Ten students have returned from a life-changing sailing adventure aboard a 72ft ocean-going yacht.

The solar eclipse this week will be the deepest partial eclipse for many years, with the last one back in 1999.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to crack down on vape shops and betting stores to help revitalise the high street.

Add these five plants to your garden to keep rats away, as they do not like strong smells such as lavender and garlic.

With most eclipse glasses sold out across the country, a pinhole projector offers a simple, homemade alternative to safely view the rare event.

A man has been charged with drink driving following an incident where a boy was injured in a crash at a holiday park

A Dorset resident spoke of the “chaotic” moments she and her friend had to evacuate their car following a fire on a main route

Four people have had a lucky escape off Old Harry this afternoon after two jet skis collided, followed by a speedboat that went to assist but subsequently broke down and was left drifting dangerously close to the rocks.

The A31 is still closed both ways this morning several hours after a vehicle fire spread to the central reservation. We will be bringing you latest updates.

The beat of a snare drum and blast of a brass horn were once the soundtrack of our communities.

People are being invited to take part in a sponsored walk or cycle to support the Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary road works in August due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.

Jessica Toale MP on the fire risk to Dorset's lowland heathland and her new role as parliamentary champion for the sand lizard.

A Dorset teenager has graduated from the Army Foundation College and is set to join the Royal Artillery following in his older brother’s footsteps.

A dedicated road safety volunteer has been honoured for his long-standing contributions.

A Facebook group has been created to help motorists retrieve their cars on the A31 after the heathland fire forced them to abandon their vehicles.

Our beautiful town of BH is too often the subject of negative comments.

More than 120 firefighters have been tackling a major blaze that has torn through a large area of heathland.