Visitors will see behind the scenes at Dorset History Centre. Picture: Dorset Council

Dorset history buffs can get a glimpse behind the scenes during special archive tours

HISTORY buffs can go behind the scenes and find out ore about how Dorset's past is documented during a special...

Support on offer for Somerset rough sleepers as emergency protocol triggered

ROUGH sleepers in Somerset are being offered support during soaring temperatures across the county. Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol...

The property, in Ten Acres, has been made the subject of a Closure Notice. Picture: North Dorset Police

Police obtain Closure Notice on Shaftesbury property after “drug activity and anti-social behaviour” concerns

POLICE have obtained a Closure Notice on a property in Shaftesbury in response to concerns over "drug activity and anti-social...

People near Queen's Avenue are being urged to keep doors and windows closed. Picture: Dorchester Fire Station

Dorchester fire prompts warning to close doors and windows

RESIDENTS are being advised to keep doors and windows closed as firefighters tackle a blaze in Dorchester. Crews are dealing...

Yewstock School, in Sturminster Newton

Vale school receives national recognition for helping students with “essential life and work skills”

A DORSET school has earned national recognition for efforts to help students with essential life and work skills. Yewstock School,...

Attendees during a tour of Sherborne School. Picture: Frank Curtis

Biannual conference in Dorchester marks all things Thomas Hardy!

FANS of Thomas Hardy gathered in Dorchester recently for a biannual event to celebrate his work. The International Thomas Hardy...

A solar eclipse will be visible from Somerset on Wednesday evening. Picture: AI generated/Leveller

UK solar eclipse 2026: When to see it – and how to watch it safely

THE south west is set to be plunged into darkness between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday evening (August 12) during...

People are being urged to take care in soaring temperatures in Somerset this week. Picture: Paul Jones/Leveller

Amber heat alert issued for south west as temperatures set to hit 33C

AN AMBER heat alert has been issued for the south west as temperatures continue to soar this week. The UK...

The incident happened on the A35 Dorchester bypass on Friday (August 7). Picture: Google

Man suffers “serious injuries” after incident near Dorchester

A MAN was found with "serious injuries" after being involved in a crash with a car on a busy road...

Blandford nursing home marks 35 years of care on the town with a special party

A DORSET nursing and residential home welcomed families, friends and locals for a celebration marking more than three decades providing...

Wessex Water is carrying out work in Station Road, Wincanton, this month. Picture: Google

Busy Wincanton road to close for water works – with bus stop changes

A BUSY Somerset road is to close later this month for roadworks - affecting a popular bus route. Travellers are...

The Hatch House Open Garden event returns on August 30, 2026

Hatch House Open Garden fundraiser returns for 2026

THE popular annual Hatch House Open Garden event returns for 2026 on Sunday, August 30, in support of the Salisbury...

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Young musicians perform stunning finale at popular week-long course

MUSICIANS of all ages and abilities took to the stage as part of the 55th Wessex Band Summer School. The...

Mark Douglas Lowe, of Poole, has been jailed for two years and three months. Picture: Dorset Council

Rogue mechanic Mark Douglas Lowe jailed after scamming customers across 10 counties

A ROGUE Dorset-based mechanic who scammed customers across the country has been jailed for his conman antics. Dorset Police detectives...

Sherborne has been named Dorset Town of Culture 2027. Pictures: Dorset Council

Sherborne officially unveiled as the Dorset Town of Culture 2027

SHERBORNE has been officially crowned the Dorset Town of Culture 2027. The historic town has been recognised by the Arts...

The crash happened on the Old Sherborne Road, near Alton Lane, at Cerne Abbas. Picture: Google

Four injured – three seriously – after crash near Cerne Abbas on Sunday night

FOUR people were injured - three seriously - after a crash in Cerne Abbas on Sunday evening (August 2). The...

Michael Bretton killed Craig Hurcombe, inset, after becoming obsessed with a woman. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

Shaftesbury man Michael Bretton jailed for 29 years after Samurai-style sword killing

MICHAEL Bretton killed a love rival with a Samurai-style sword and attempted to hide his body. The 41-year-old, of Armoury...

The Blandford Group Practice dispensary phoneline is not available this week. Picture: Google

Telephone helpline at Blandford surgery offline this week due to “staff shortages”

THE phoneline at a Blandford pharmacy dispensary will be unavailable this week due to staff shortages. The Blandford Group Practice...

Arrests on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering after Gillingham raid

TWO men were arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery and money laundering offences after a raid at a Gillingham...

The CIC wants to take on the former Burton School for Girls site... Pictures: Sunny Hill For Good CIC/Urban Welsh Explorer

Ambitious plan for new community-led development at huge former school site

A COMMUNITY-LED bid to transform a derelict former school site into a mixed-use campus offering opportunities for "lifelong learning". The...

Get your nominations in to celebrate young Somerset business leaders

BUDDING business talent is being recognised in a special awards event - with the deadline for nominations looming. People have...