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.
MOTORCYCLIST SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES WHILST OUT ON A JOLLY DURING LOCKDOWN
A motorcyclist who defied the lockdown rules to enjoy a ride out in the sunshine yesterday (Saturday) lost control of his bike and sustained serious injuries. Police and paramedics were called to a single vehicle collision - which is thought...
Read moreDetailsVIOLENT MALE ASSAULTS 3 POLICE OFFICERS BEFORE STAGING DIRTY PROTEST
A violent male coughed in the faces of 2 Police officers whilst claiming to have COVID-19 before going on to stage a dirty protest whilst in custody yesterday (Saturday). The individual was arrested by Police in Shanklin and it was...
Read moreDetails123 CORONAVIRUS CASES CONFIRMED AS TESTING INCREASED ON THE ISLAND
Public Health England have revealed there are now 123 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Isle of Wight. The latest data shows an increase of just 1 from 122 cases yesterday (Friday). This follows a sudden increase of 15 cases...
Read moreDetails£6.1 MILLION FUNDING BOOST TO HELP HIGH STREETS AND TOWN CENTRES
The Isle of Wight will share £6.1million of funding to spend on projects that will help local high streets through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP has announced this week. The money will be...
Read moreDetailsLIZ EARLE DISTRIBUTES CARE PACKAGES TO FRONTLINE KEYWORKERS ACROSS THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Liz Earle Beauty Co. are donating products to NHS staff and other key workers currently working on the frontline. Key workers at St Mary’s Hospital and Mountbatten Hospice will receive the care packages this week. Donations include a selection of moisturisers,...
Read moreDetailsISLAND CHARITY SAY RUMOURS ABOUT SERVICE ARE SIMPLY NOT TRUE
Rumours on social media about an Island charity charging people for help could hinder it trying to help its core clients. Age UK Isle of Wight has says posts on Facebook which say the charity is charging people £16 to...
Read moreDetailsNHS URGES PUBLIC TO GET VACCINATED DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
NHS England is urging Islanders to attend regular vaccination appointments to prevent outbreaks of deadly serious diseases and reduce pressure on the health service. While preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a public health priority, it is still vital that...
Read moreDetailsPAST THE PEAK BUT SPIKE IN LATEST CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES FIGURE
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms we are past the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, figures from Public Health England have revealed there are now 122 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Isle of Wight - a...
Read moreDetailsSOLENT LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP SETS OUT FIRST STEPS FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which helps determine the priorities of the local economy in support of job creation and driving economic growth for the area, has today (Friday) announced its plans for supporting businesses during the recovery period...
Read moreDetails26 CORONAVIRUS DEATHS NOW SEEN AT ST MARY’S HOSPITAL
26 Islanders have now died at St Mary's Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, according to today's (Friday's) figures from NHS England. The death toll has increased from 25 to 26 with the latest victim dying at St Mary’s on...
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