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.
ISLE OF WIGHT RIDER SECURES TOP 10 FINISH IN NATIONAL MTB SERIES OPENER
An Isle of Wight mountain biker has secured an impressive top 10 finish in the opening round of a national cross-country series, competing against some of the UK’s top riders.
Read moreDetailsPAEDOPHILE FOUND DEAD INSIDE RYDE FLAT AFTER POLICE FORCE ENTRY
BREAKING: A convicted paedophile was found dead inside his flat at a housing complex in Ryde yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).
Read moreDetailsMAJOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO RIVER BANK SITUATION IN CENTRAL NEWPORT
BREAKING: A plethora of emergency vehicles have descended on central Newport tonight (Wednesday) in response to a developing situation, in which a male is threatening to jump into a river.
Read moreDetailsWETHERSPOONS FOUNDER EYES ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN FOR RYDE PUB
The founder and chairman of Wetherspoons, Tim Martin, has revealed ambitions to create a rooftop beer garden at S. Fowler & Co. in Ryde during a surprise visit to the Isle of Wight this week.
Read moreDetails62-YEAR-OLD RYDE MAN ARRESTED AFTER MORRISONS PETROL STATION ROBBERY
BREAKING: Police have arrested a 62-year-old man from Ryde on suspicion of robbery following a violent incident at a petrol station on the Isle of Wight.
Read moreDetailsGREEN PARTY DEPUTY LEADER TO VISIT ISLE OF WIGHT THIS WEEKEND
The Isle of Wight Green Party has announced that its Deputy Leader, Rachel Millward, will visit the Isle of Wight this weekend as part of the party’s growing local election campaign.
Read moreDetailsNEW SANDWICH AND SPUD BAR OPENS IN SHANKLIN WITH FOCUS ON LOCAL PRODUCE
A new food venture focused on locally sourced ingredients and healthier eating has opened its doors in Shanklin, led by Army veteran Kelly Way.
Read moreDetailsISLAND EVENTS ARE REINFORCING THE ISLE OF WIGHT’S APPETITE FOR SHARED LIVE EXPERIENCE
Introduction The Isle of Wight has never been short of reasons to gather, and the Island's current events picture suggests that appetite remains strong as spring turns towards the larger festival months ahead. From Cowes to Newport, the island's leisure...
Read moreDetailsLE FISHERMAN SLOT REVIEW
Released late in January 2026, Le Fisherman, available on BOYLE Casino, is one of Hacksaw Gaming’s latest slot releases, which uses fishing as its theme. The Le Fisherman slot game is part of a wider series of slots part of...
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT BUSINESSES EMBRACE DIGITAL PAYMENT OPTIONS
Consumer expectations around how they pay for goods and services have changed dramatically over the past few years. Across the UK, cash transactions have fallen significantly, and businesses that once relied on traditional payment methods are finding they need to...
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