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.
BROTHERS JAILED FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS FOR AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND ROBBERY
2 Isle of Wight brothers have been jailed for a combined total of 21 years following an aggravated burglary in Newport and a robbery in Lymington. Jayzer Sam Wilkie, 31, of Pallance Road in Northwood - a convicted drug dealer...
Read moreDetailsSTAFF GIVEN CHOICE OF ONLY VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN SNACKS AND LUNCHES AT NEWPORT NURSERY
Newport Nursery - part of the Tops Day Nurseries family - has decided to provide only vegetarian or vegan snacks and lunches to staff members as part of efforts to protect the environment. The Isle of Wight centre is already...
Read moreDetailsTHE FOOD WAREHOUSE COULD SOON BE HEADING TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The Food Warehouse could soon be opening in Newport if planning permission is granted by the Isle of Wight Council. Permission is being sought to change the use of the former PC World premises on Wakes Retail Park to include...
Read moreDetailsNATIONAL AWARD SUCCESS FOR ISLE OF WIGHT BUSINESS
An Isle of Wight-based company has been named one of the best businesses in Rural Britain after winning an Amazon-backed Rural Business Award. Nettlecombe Farm from Whitwell was named Best Rural Tourism Business at the national final of the Rural...
Read moreDetailsLOCAL LOTS TO FEATURE IN CLIVE EMSON’S SPRING AUCTION
An industrial estate, a block of shops, homes and a copse are among a mix of Island lots being sold in Clive Emson’s Spring auction. A light industrial estate, with 8 units, has a freehold guide of £350,000-400,000 and is...
Read moreDetailsWHEEL RIPPED OFF IN 2-CAR CRASH NEAR ASHEY
Police are attending a 2-car road traffic collision on The Downs this evening (Monday). A Ford Fiesta and a VW Polo have collided on a bend between Ashey and the junction with Brading Downs Road. No one is thought to...
Read moreDetailsSEELY SEEKS STUDY TO EXTEND RAILWAY LINE – BUT STEAM RAILWAY SAYS IT WOULD BE CHALLENGING
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has said that they are open to discussions with the Island's MP and the Office for Road and Rail over initial plans to extend the commercial railway from Smallbrook to Newport. Bob Seely MP...
Read moreDetailsCO-OP INVEST IN NEW ECO-FRIENDLY HEARSE AND LIMOUSINE
Co-operative colleagues on the Isle of Wight are gearing up for more eco-friendly funerals as 2 new vehicles will cut carbon emissions in half. A new hybrid hearse and limousine were delivered to The Co-operative Funeralcare branches on the Isle...
Read moreDetailsMILLIONS OF POUNDS OF INVESTMENT IN ISLE OF WIGHT SCHOOLS
6 Island schools were upgraded or refurbished by the Isle of Wight Council last year — and many more are set to benefit from millions of pounds of government funding. In total, almost £2million was invested by the council in...
Read moreDetails8 REASONS TO VISIT THE MAINLAND
The Isle of Wight technically has everything you need to survive. You don’t need to visit the mainland. You can get all of your groceries, take part in loads of outdoor activities, and generally live a very good life. Just...
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