Darren Toogood - Editor
Darren started his career as a photojournalist at just 16 years of age, reporting across the Isle of Wight for regional, national and international media.
Driven by a passion for trusted local journalism, this true Caulkhead founded Island Echo in 2012 and has since grown it into a multi-award-winning publication. He is still the Editor and Publisher today.
Darren holds a Diploma with Honours in Media Law from the London School of Journalism.
MP BACKS COUNCIL’S CALL FOR URGENT MINISTERIAL MEETING OVER £13.4MILLION FUNDING CUT
East Wight MP Joe Robertson has stepped up his challenge to the Government’s £13.4million funding cut to the Isle of Wight Council, warning that the move risks deepening existing inequalities across the Island.
Read moreDetailsRED FUNNEL UNVEILS 2026 ISLAND AMBASSADORS, SUPPORTED TALENTS AND TEAMS
14 Islanders have been named as Red Funnel’s 2026 Island Ambassadors, alongside 16 Supported Talents and 12 Supported Teams, as part of the cross-Solent operator’s annual ‘Proud to Support’ programme.
Read moreDetailsHOVERTRAVEL RETAINS GREEN MARINE EUROPE STATUS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Hovertravel has been awarded the Green Marine Europe certification for the third consecutive year.
Read moreDetailsRODGER & STEVE’S PLACE TO CLOSE AFTER 5 YEARS OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
A mental health and wellbeing space supporting men across the Isle of Wight will close its doors for good at the end of January.
Read moreDetailsEMERGENCY CREWS RUSH TO SCENE OF MULTI-CAR CRASH NEAR VENTNOR
BREAKING: Emergency services are rushing over to the scene of the crash, which involves multiple vehicles.
Read moreDetailsFACTORS BEHIND ELEVATED ONLINE ENGAGEMENT ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Online engagement has seen a noticeable rise across the UK in recent years, but the Isle of Wight stands out. Despite its relatively small population and geographic isolation, the island is experiencing a marked uptick in digital activity. From streaming...
Read moreDetailsPREPAID VOUCHER USE GROWS FOR ONLINE SERVICES
Prepaid vouchers are turning up in more places than many people realise, from topping up streaming accounts to paying for in-app extras without storing card details. That same behaviour is also influencing real money entertainment where options like neosurf online...
Read moreDetailsFINDING SAFE AND LEGIT FOOTBALL BETTING APPS ONLINE
Technology has turned football betting from an occasional thing into something that happens around the clock, wherever there's a phone signal – stadium, subway – it doesn't matter. But this convenience comes with responsibility. Fake apps have gotten disturbingly good...
Read moreDetailsHYBRID PLANNING APPLICATION LODGED FOR HOMES ON EX-SCHOOL SITE IN TOTLAND
A hybrid planning application has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council for the development of 15 new homes on the site of the former Weston Community Primary School in Totland, which closed its doors in 2015.
Read moreDetailsNEW SIGNS IN RYDE WARN AGAINST DOG FOULING AS CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
New signage has been installed across Ryde this week in a bid to tackle dog fouling.
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