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.
CAN TALCUM POWDER REALLY CAUSE CANCER?
Talcum powder, the cosmetic product used by millions of men and women around the country, has become a topic of hot debate these days. There have been studies linking the use of talcum powder to the development of ovarian and...
Read moreDetailsANOTHER BLOW FOR NEWPORT AS TOPMAN AND TOPSHOP PERMANENTLY CLOSE
Newport has been left with another large empty store following the permanent closure of the Topman/Top Shop store in the heart of the town. Although online retailer ASOS has agreed a £295million deal to acquire both brands, the deal does...
Read moreDetailsBEACH HUTS VANDALISED AT PUCKPOOL OVER THE WEEKEND
A number of beach huts were damaged by vandals at Puckpool near Ryde over the weekend. The incident occurred sometime overnight on Saturday into Sunday morning. A total of 4 huts were damaged - both inside and out - and...
Read moreDetailsEMERGENCY RESPONSE TO WOMAN IN CRISIS ON THE BEACH AT SANDOWN
HM Coastguard and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have responded to reports of concerns for the welfare of a woman in Sandown this lunchtime (Monday). The alarm was raised shortly before 12:45 when the individual was sighted on the...
Read moreDetailsVECTICANNA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR ISLE OF WIGHT CANNABIS RESEARCH FACILITY
Island-based cannabis research company Vecticanna has announced a groundbreaking new partnership with leading CBD law expert Robert Jappie of Ince London. Robert brings a wealth of experience in CBD Regulation and Compliance to the business, previously heading the UK’s first...
Read moreDetailsRMT EXPRESSES DISGUST ON WIGHTLINK’S ‘RELUCTANCE’ TO TAKE UP TAXPAYER SUPPORT
The RMT union has expressed its shock and disgust at what it says is Wightlink’s 'reluctance' to take up taxpayer support as members prepare for strike action over attack on conditions. The union is currently in dispute with the company...
Read moreDetailsNEW OWNERS OF HARCOURT SANDS PUSH FORWARD WITH SITE’S REDEVELOPMENT
The new owners of the former Harcourt Sands holiday park in Ryde are pushing forward with the site's redevelopment, clearing further areas of land as well submitting a request to the Isle of Wight Council to adjust planning permission. An...
Read moreDetailsRIVERSIDE VACCINATION CENTRE IS NOW OPEN AND WILL VACCINATE 500 ISLANDERS A DAY
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has stepped up a notch on the Isle of Wight with the opening of the vaccination centre at The Riverside Centre in Newport this morning (Monday). Up to 500 Islanders a day will now...
Read moreDetails11-YEAR-OLD PRAISED FOR QUICK THINKING TO HELP UNCONSCIOUS FAMILY MEMBER
An 11-year-old boy has been praised for his actions in helping get vital medical assistance to a family member who had fallen on the sea wall between Colwell and Totland in the West Wight on Saturday afternoon. Whilst enjoying daily...
Read moreDetailsFIRST ‘OUR ISLAND’ ELECTION CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
The new 'Our Island' movement has formally announced its first candidates for the Isle of Wight Council local elections due to take place in May 2021. The candidates are standing in the wards of Sandown South, Ventnor West, Ryde North...
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