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.
EARLY YEARS CRISIS: FUNDING SHORTFALL PUTTING ISLE OF WIGHT NURSERIES IN DANGER
Nurseries across the Isle of Wight are facing a financial crisis as rising National Minimum Wage costs, National Insurance increases and restricted funding policies push providers towards closure. The latest Department for Education (DfE) funding rule changes - particularly restrictions...
Read moreDetailsCOMMON MISTAKES WHEN SUBMITTING A REQUIRED TO INTERPOL’S CCF
Submitting a request to Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) is a crucial step for individuals seeking to challenge or correct information stored in Interpol’s database. However, the process is complex, and even minor errors can lead to...
Read moreDetailsA GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The Isle of Wight is a natural paradise, boasting stunning coastlines, lush countryside, and a thriving local community. However, with environmental concerns growing globally, many residents and visitors are looking for ways to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle while preserving...
Read moreDetailsGRAND NATIONAL ATTRACTS BIG NAME ENTRIES
The Grand National remains the world’s most famous steeplechase, and it is a race many horse racing fans on the Isle of Wight will make the trip across to Liverpool for in April. This year’s contest could be one of...
Read moreDetailsBORJA MERA: HOW SIROKO BECAME A SPONSOR OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Siroko’s journey to becoming a sponsor of the Los Angeles Lakers is a testament to ambition, strategic thinking, and perseverance. Borja Mera, the driving force behind Siroko, has always believed in inspiring others, and this partnership marks a defining moment...
Read moreDetailsBATH ROAD SHOULD NOT BE RE-OPENED SAY AUTHORITIES OVER FURTHER COLLAPSE FEARS
Bath Road in Ventnor could remain closed for months, if not years to come, as the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads say the risk of a further collapse of a stone wall means the road should not be...
Read moreDetailsPARAMEDICS CHECK OVER DRIVER AS CAR CAREERS INTO STREET FURNITURE
The male driver of a Vauxhall Zafira is being checked over by paramedics following a car crash on Racecourse Roundabout this morning (Saturday). Emergency services were called to the busy section of road between Ryde and Newport at around 08:15,...
Read moreDetailsPAEDOPHILE HUCKLE’S ‘UNDULY LENIENT’ SENTENCE WON’T BE RECONSIDERED
Samuel Huckle, a paedophile who was found to be in possession of more than 1,000 indecent images of children, some as young as 3-months-old, will not have his sentence passed to the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General's Office has...
Read moreDetailsRUSH HOUR CRASH ON DUAL CARRIAGEWAY CAUSES DELAYS
A crash on the southbound side of the dual carriageway in Newport is causing significant delays this rush hour. Emergency services have been called to Medina Way where a car - a BMW - is said to be sideways across...
Read moreDetailsEAST WIGHT MP HOSTS SAFER PHONES ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION WITH RYDE STUDENTS
Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, hosted a roundtable discussion with students at Ryde Academy earlier this week to talk about safer phones. A bill is being introduced to Parliament this week which aims to protect children and...
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