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.
ISLE OF WIGHT PLANNING APPLICATIONS: 24TH DECEMBER 2020
The following planning applications and appeals have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council and can be viewed online at www.iwight.com/planning. Alternatively, they can be viewed at Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS. Application No: 20/01193/FUL...
Read moreDetailsRED FUNNEL WARNS PASSENGERS OF POSSIBLE CHANGES NEXT WEEK
Red Funnel, which from Saturday will operate between Tier 3 and Tier 4 areas, is warning passengers that there may well be changes to both the car ferry and Red Jet timetables in response to the Government's latest announcement. In...
Read moreDetailsWITNESS APPEAL AS 48-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED OVER NEWPORT BUS STATION INCIDENT
Police on the Isle of Wight are appealing for witnesses to an incident at Newport Bus Station this afternoon (Wednesday), which has resulted in an arrest being made. Officers were called to the bus station in the heart of Newport...
Read moreDetailsFREEBIE ALERT: TOP SITES AROUND THE WORLD WHERE YOU CAN FIND FREE STUFF
Have you ever won or redeemed free stuff online? The internet is overflowing with freebies waiting for you to discover them. If you know the right places to look for them, you can score some sweet deals. There are numerous...
Read moreDetailsDON’T DELAY – ISLANDERS TOLD TO SEE GP WITH ANY CANCER SYMPTOMS
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has seen a 25% drop in referrals to cancer services and are urging the public to get in touch with their GP if they have any symptoms that they are concerned about. Both Dermatology...
Read moreDetailsROAD TRAFFIC COLLISION CLOSES NEWPORT’S MILL STREET
Police have closed Mill Street in the centre of Newport this evening (Wednesday) as a result of a road traffic collision. Officers are currently in attendance alongside paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. The incident has occurred close...
Read moreDetails2 ISLE OF WIGHT VOLUNTEER SAILORS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARDS
2 volunteer sailors from the Isle of Wight - Michael Smith from Sea View Yacht Club and Polly Schafer from Brading Haven Yacht Club - have been awarded prestigious national RYA awards in recognition of their exceptional dedication to boating. ...
Read moreDetailsTIER 3 – WHAT ISLANDERS CAN AND CANNOT DO FROM SATURDAY
With the Isle of Wight in shock after being plunged into Tier 3 restrictions from Boxing Day, Island Echo has compiled a list of what you can and cannot do from Saturday. Stringent restrictions mean that you can only leave...
Read moreDetailsBREXIT SUPPORT BOOST FOR SOLENT BUSINESSES
The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is launching a new support service to help small and medium enterprises (SME's) through Brexit transition. Those seeking support will be matched with a specialist Brexit Transition Business Advisor and receive up to 5...
Read moreDetailsSAVERS IN THE SOUTH EAST RECEIVE HELP TO SAVE BONUS PAYMENT
More than 6,700 savers in the South East have earned their first Help to Save bonus payment, each receiving an average of £374 in time for Christmas, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal. Help to Save is the UK...
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