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.
CHRISTMAS DAY DEATH IN SHANKLIN SEES FORENSIC INVESTIGATORS CALLED IN
Detectives and forensic investigators descended on a house in Shanklin on Christmas Day following the unexpected death of an elderly woman. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service was called to a residential address on Victoria Avenue at just before 09:30...
Read moreDetailsYOUTH TRUST NAMED ELDRIDGES SOLICITORS’ CHARITY OF THE YEAR FOR 2025
Eldridges Solicitors has revealed that the Isle of Wight Youth Trust will be its Charity of the Year for 2025. The team at Eldridges will fundraise throughout the coming year to support this Island-based charity, which empowers young people to...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT LOTTERY RESULTS: 27TH DECEMBER 2024
The winning numbers in this week’s Isle of Wight Lottery draw (27th December 2024) are… Amount (£) Number £1,000.00 9762 £100.00 11842 £100.00 4308 £100.00 18040 £100.00 12794 £100.00 13257 £100.00 16526 £100.00 4832 £100.00 14149 £100.00 13857 £100.00 16946
Read moreDetailsFERRY TRAVEL IS ADDING TO FIRE SERVICE’S PREDICTED £6MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT
The cost of transporting staff and vehicles to and from the Isle of Wight has contributed to a predicted £6million deficit for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT PLANNING APPLICATIONS: 27TH DECEMBER 2024
The following planning applications and appeals have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council. They 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. Comments on the...
Read moreDetailsFORTUNE TIGER: A SPIRITED SLOT ADVENTURE
Fortune Tiger is a slot that comes from the developer PG Soft. It’s best described as a vibrant game that comes with a traditional Asian theme that is combined with a modern twist. It was released back in 2022 and...
Read moreDetailsWYLD ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE CLOSURE IN BLOW FOR NEWPORT’S NIGHT TIME ECONOMY
The Island's dwindling night time economy has taken another hit as it is announced Wyld in Newport has closed with immediate effect. Wyld, described as being a fun party venue with a classy edge, has been part of Newport's night...
Read moreDetailsGAVIN AND STACEY FINALE FEATURED THE ISLE OF WIGHT – TWICE
The Isle of Wight featured twice in last night's epic Gavin and Stacey finale - but only the eagle-eyed will have spotted the subtle references... Around 14 minutes into the Christmas Day special, which aired on BBC One as the...
Read moreDetailsISLAND ROADS GIVES CHRISTMAS GIFT TO 4 ISLE OF WIGHT CHARITIES
4 Island charities supporting people with disabilities or life-limiting illness are the first of 8 recipients who will, between them, receive grants totalling almost £85,000 from Island Roads’ Isle of Wight Foundation. Each year, the foundation, established by the companies...
Read moreDetailsCIVIC TAKES A DIP AS DRIVER CRASHES THROUGH RAILINGS IN BRIGHSTONE
A car has been left abandoned in a stream in a rural West Wight village after it careered off the road last night (Monday). The Honda Civic estate left the carriageway at Broad Lane - near Waytes Court - at...
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