Local News

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Week-long road closure along key route to start TONIGHT

Overnight road closures are set to get underway between between Weymouth and Dorchester tonight

Local messages

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Nature reserve fire 'accidentally' caused by campfire or BBQ

THE cause of a fire at a nature reserve near Dorchester was accidentally caused by a campfire or BBQ, the service said.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

PICTURES: Crowds flock to town in celebration of beloved Victorian novelist

Dorchester stepped back in time on Sunday as crowds gathered for the return of the Thomas Hardy Victorian Street Fair

Get Weekly Updates

Get the headlines in your inbox every week.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Multiple temporary road closures to affect Dorset in the coming weeks

Dorset Council announces overnight road closures in Dorchester and West Compton from June 12 for maintenance. Diversions and parking bans are in place.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Runaway horse drama and school row - Dorset news from 100 years ago

A look back through the Dorset Daily Echo and Weymouth Dispatch archives reveal dramatic, quirky and revealing stories from life in 1926

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Magpies captain 'determined as ever' after committing future to club

DORCHESTER Town captain Will Spetch says he is "determined as ever" to help bring the club straight back up

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

'Promotion is the only ambition' - Moore's Magpies pledge after re-signing

CORBY Moore says promotion is the "only ambition" after signing on at Dorchester Town for another season.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Magpies defender 'buzzing' after re-signing for 2026/27 season

IEUAN Turner has agreed to remain at Dorchester Town for the upcoming 2026/27 season

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Benfield switches Magpies for Terras

GERARD Benfield is set to return to Weymouth after two seasons at local rivals Dorchester Town

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Fire at nature reserve severely damages walkway

A FIRE broke out at a nature reserve near Dorchester in the early hours of this morning.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Dorchester cyclist to cycle from John O’Groats to Lands’ End in June for charity

Dorchester resident Dave Cresswell, will cycle from John O Groats to Lands End on June 19, raising funds for the Haemophilia Society and Weldmar Hospice care.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

County town all set for fair celebrating novelist's birthday

Dorchester is to become a blast from the past in a lively event to celebrate the life of one of Dorset’s most cherished historical figures

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Former councillor admits causing death of much‑loved teacher after junction crash

A former councillor has admitted causing the death of a cyclist after failing to see him while pulling out of a junction in Dorchester, a court heard

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Weather forecast for Dorset over upcoming weekend

Dorset weather forecast: Sunshine after cloudy starts in Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland & Bridport. Weekend highs to 23C, rain & low pollen Monday.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

E‑scooter trial proposal to be considered by Dorset councillors

Dorset Council considers a government-backed e-scooter rental trial in towns including Weymouth and Dorchester to boost green transport and cut emissions.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Golfers back on course at Came Down Golf Club

THE golfing season is getting underway and with the weather improving everyone is enjoying being back on the course at Came Down Golf Club.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Snooker: Colliton take top spot in 6 Reds Spring regular season

Colliton XQ 2026 sealed top spot in the Dorchester & District Snooker League 6 Reds Spring Competition as the regular season concluded.

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Two injured in crash as police appeal for witnesses

Police are appealing for information from the public following a crash in Dorchester

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Near misses as 'speeding' drivers race through school traffic

Parents say dangerous driving around three Dorchester schools has reached “real worry” levels, amid concerns over speeding and the absence of a school crossing patrol

Dorset Echo | Dorchester

Dorchester and Martinstown play out tense draw

DORCHESTER and Martinstown played out a tense draw at The Rec as the hosts ultimately took away 13 points to the visitors’ 10 in Dorset Premier One