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.
VENTNOR’S ICONIC ROYAL HOTEL SOLD TO NEW OWNERS
The Royal Hotel in Ventnor, one of the Island's most prestigious establishments, has been sold to new owners. Originally built in 1832, The Royal Hotel is a cherished establishment with a renowned reputation on the Island for its accommodation, food...
Read moreDetailsAIR AMBULANCE IN DASH TO SANDOWN IN RESPONSE TO LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY
Flying medics from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance have been scrambled to a life-threatening medical emergency in Sandown this afternoon (Tuesday). The HEMS team have joined colleagues from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Hampshire & Isle...
Read moreDetailsPUBLIC HINDER ARREST OF SUSPECTED DRUG DRIVER IN NEWPORT
There was a disturbance on the streets of Pan last night (Monday) when members of the public tried to intervene during the arrest of a suspected drug driver in Newport. At 22:45, officers stopped a vehicle on Robin Hood Street...
Read moreDetailsWEATHER WARNING ISSUED FOR TONIGHT AMID FLASH FLOODING RISK
A yellow weather warning for torrential rain has been issued by IW Met Service for Wednesday morning, with Islanders alerted to a risk of flash flooding. It's said that an area of rain will move in from the South West...
Read moreDetails‘I THOUGHT THE RUSSIANS WERE COMING’ – BIBLICAL WEATHER WAKES THE ISLAND
Sudden flashes of lightning, mixed with howling winds and driving rain, awoke Islanders from their slumber overnight - described by many as an eerie experience. At around 02:20 this morning, a weather front hit the Isle of Wight bringing 'biblical'...
Read moreDetailsENGINE ISSUES RETURN FOR RED OSPREY LEADING TO FERRY CANCELLATIONS
Just 24 hours after re-entering service, Red Funnel's Red Osprey vehicle ferry is experiencing yet more engine troubles resulting in cancellations on the East Cowes-Southampton route today (Tuesday). The cross-Solent operator says that the 09:00 sailing from East Cowes has...
Read moreDetailsTHE ISO 27001 STANDARD
The reputation and eventual success of any big business are herculean tasks that should not be taken lightly. This is why things like information security ought to be implemented from the onset because of the crucial role it plays in...
Read moreDetailsTHE MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Whilst popular opinion may see the Isle of Wight as retiree and coach trip central thanks to our stunning coastline, award-winning beaches and laid back way of life, or a music lovers dream thanks to the likes of Bestival and...
Read moreDetailsFUNDRAISER LAUNCHED FOR FAMILY OF ISLE OF WIGHT MAN HIT BY LORRY IN COWES
A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of Isle of Wight man Chris Bush, who sustained serious injuries after being run over by a lorry in Cowes last week. Chris was flown to Southampton General Hospital by the...
Read moreDetailsISLAND ROADS RESPONDED AS STORM BERT BROUGHT DOWN TREES
Island Roads dealt with around 20 call-outs during Storm Bert over the weekend – the majority of which were for fallen or dangerous trees. There was one report of flooding on Whitwell Road where flood warning board were placed out...
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