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.
103 COVID-19 CASES NOW CONFIRMED ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The confirmed number of cases of COVID-19 on the Isle of Wight now sits at 103, according to Public Health England. Today's data shows an increase in the number of cases from 101 on Sunday to 103 today (Monday). Sadly,...
Read moreDetailsCOVID-19 MOBILE TESTING STATION WILL RETURN ON 29TH APRIL
The COVID-19 mobile testing station at 1Leisure Medina in Newport has now finished but will return again on Wednesday, it has been announced. Soldiers have moved the testing facility off the Island but will return to 1Leisure Medina on Wednesday...
Read moreDetailsLOCAL BUSINESSES JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE SCRUBS FOR CARERS
3 local businesses have joined forces to provide desperately needed clothing to be used as scrubs for local Carers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Rapanui, who are based in Freshwater, were contacted at the weekend by Reuben Loake of Ryde-based...
Read moreDetailsBUSINESSES STILL WAITING FOR GRANT MONEY BUT PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE THIS WEEK
The Isle of Wight Council says it has processed government grant payments totalling £29.9 million to 2,550 qualifying Island businesses as of today (Monday) - but it could be another few days until local businesses actually see the money. Business...
Read moreDetailsCRASH DRIVER ACCUSED OF STEALING CAR AND BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
The alleged driver of a car that crashed on the outskirts of Godshill last night (Sunday) has been arrested on suspicion of a string of offences, including stealing the small hatchback which later burst into flames. Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed...
Read moreDetailsA SWEET TREAT FOR NHS STAFF THANKS TO SPECIAL DELIVERY FROM LOCAL BUSINESS
Frontline NHS staff at St Mary’s Hospital were given a sweet surprise this week – thanks to a special delivery from Coastline Home Improvements. The windows and doors company hand-delivered a hamper of luxury chocolates to NHS staff and carers...
Read moreDetailsWOOTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF DANCE ON CAMERA TO LIFT PUPILS’ SPIRITS
Staff at Wootton Primary School have been practising their best dance moves to create a montage video to lift the spirits of pupils at this difficult time. It has been several weeks since the school was open as normal, with...
Read moreDetailsSPEEDWAY PROMOTERS TO SUPPLY PROTECTIVE MASKS TO NHS STAFF AND OTHERS
The Wightlink Warriors speedway team have launched a branded and reusable face mask to help in the battle against COVID-19. The free masks, which can be washed at 60 degrees centigrade, will be available shortly and will be distributed on...
Read moreDetailsABANDONED SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER AT VENTNOR EXPLORED ON CAMERA
A once-secret Cold War nuclear bunker buried beneath St Boniface Down in Ventnor has been explored on camera for the first time in 12 years, revealing the deteriorating condition of the important historic site. The R1 ROTOR bunker was built...
Read moreDetailsSTILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR WALK THE WIGHT YOUR WAY
Islanders still have time to turn their daily exercise routine into a fundraising effort for Mountbatten. Walk the Wight Your Way enables people to complete the equivalent distance of any of the traditional Walk the Wight routes – anything from...
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