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.
DISCOVER THE THRILLS OF SHOOTING RANGE: A SKILL-BASED MINI-GAME WITH BIG REWARDS
The Shooting Range game by UpGaming has become a hit with British players since it provides a welcome break from the usual slot machine games. Instead of just relying on lady luck as most gambling games do, this mini game...
Read moreDetailsEDWARDIAN VS. VICTORIAN DOORS: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT PERIOD STYLE FOR YOUR HOME
When you want to make a house a home, there’s nothing more important than being able to set the right tone from the moment you put your key in the door. Once you step inside, you need to feel at...
Read moreDetailsLONG LANE SWITCH ON INVITES FUNDRAISING BENEFICIARIES FROM THE PAST 25 YEARS
Individuals, charities and other organisations that have benefitted from the thousands of pounds raised by the Long Lane Christmas Lights over the past 25 years are being invited to the big switch-on next Saturday (30th November). Terry and Sue Ramplin...
Read moreDetailsROPE AROUND PROP FORCES SUSPENSION OF FASTCAT SERVICE
Wightlink has been forced to suspend its Fastcat service to and from the Isle of Wight due to a rope being caught around the prop of one of its vessels. The 15:15, 16:15, 17:15 and 18:15 sailings from Portsmouth Harbour...
Read moreDetailsHAVENSTREET GEARING UP FOR SANTA SPECIALS WITH TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway with tickets now on sale for the popular Santa Specials event. The railway’s Santa Special rides have been a favourite with Island and visiting families...
Read moreDetailsMIDDLE ROAD CLOSED AS CAR CRASHES INTO TREES IN STORMY WEATHER
A car has left the road and crashed into trees lining Middle Road between Carisbrooke and Calbourne, leading to the closure of the key route this afternoon (Saturday). As adverse weather conditions continue to hit the Isle of Wight, Island...
Read moreDetailsPROTYRE’S STEVEN KING RECOGNISED FOR 30 YEARS’ SERVICE
Protyre's Steven King has been recognised for 30 years of continuous service to the Lake-based business. Steven left school on a Friday and got straight into work on the Monday morning, never looking back. His unwavering commitment and dedication over...
Read moreDetailsAIR AMBULANCE SCRAMBLED TO YACHT HAVEN EMERGENCY INVOLVING CUSTOMS CUTTER
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance has scrambled one of its helicopters to an incident involving HMC Vigilant at Cowes Yacht Haven this afternoon (Saturday). It was around 12:35 that an emergency call was raised, thought to concern an individual...
Read moreDetailsPARTIAL BUILDING COLLAPSE IN TOWN CENTRE SEES POLICE CLOSE ROAD
Police have closed off part of Newport Town Centre this morning (Saturday) amid concerns for public safety as a result of a partial building collapse. Sections of masonry have fallen from the top storey of a terraced building on Pyle...
Read moreDetailsTIME TO NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO FOR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER AWARDS
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has announced details of her annual awards ceremony which recognises and honours the invaluable contributions made by volunteers and partners to sustaining safer communities. The 2025 PCC Awards in March will shine a light...
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