Weekly round-up: Five stories you may have missed

More than 30 people, from as far afield as the US and the Netherlands, took part in the nettle-eating contest

DORSET NECTAR CIDER A man eating a nettle in the front of the image and a man with a beard in the back of the image looking at the table where the nettles are both men are wearing earrings and vibrant shirts — More than 30 people, from as far afield as the US and the Netherlands, took part in the nettle-eating contest

A story on the 2024 World Nettle Eating Championships was among our most read this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five of them to keep you up to date.

Man to sell hundreds of Marmite items for late wife

Laura Walker, gathered more 300 Marmite-related items in her lifetime

David Walker Jars of marmite and marmite related memorabilia on a wooden work surface — Laura Walker, gathered more 300 Marmite-related items in her lifetime

A husband is fulfilling his late wife's dying wish by selling her collection of Marmite memorabilia.

Laura Walker, from Ferndown, Dorset, gathered over 300 Marmite-related items before she died from bladder cancer in 2020 at the age of 45.

In her will, she asked for her husband David to sell the collection to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

New record declared at nettle-eating championships

Defending women's champion Beth Hodges retained her title

Beth Hodges Beth Hodges with her tongue poking out of her mouth and it appears to be dark brown in colour. She is wearing sunglasses, a bandanna and is doing a V for victory sign with her fingers, which shows a nettle leaf that it tattooed on her hand — Defending women's champion Beth Hodges retained her title

The winner of the 2024 World Nettle Eating Championships has set a new record, organisers have said.

More than 30 people, from as far afield as the US and the Netherlands, took part in the prickly contest at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm, near Bridport, on 22 June.

Tom Wheeler, from London, ate the leaves from 116ft (35.4m) of nettle stalks to claim the men's trophy, beating last year's tally of 64ft (19.5m).

Defending women's champion Beth Hodges retained her title, consuming 64ft (19.5m) of nettles - beating her own record of 60ft (18.3m), set in 2023.

Evidence of beavers found along river

A recently-planted tree had been felled by a beaver

Dorset Wildlife Trust A log that has been eaten away at in the centre revealing a white wooden centre — A recently-planted tree had been felled by a beaver

Beavers have been found to be living on the River Stour in Dorset in the latest indication of a comeback by the dam-making mammal.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has confirmed that a recently-planted tree had been felled by a beaver.

It said it was a "clear sign" that beavers are present along the river, but in unknown numbers and distribution.

Conservationists described it as "great encouragement" for their habitat improvement work.

Nickelback film tackles hurt of 'Marmite' reputation

Members of Nickelback posed with broadcaster Ben Jones who produced the film

Gimme Sugar Productions Members of Nickelback posed with broadcaster Ben Jones who produced the film — Members of Nickelback posed with broadcaster Ben Jones who produced the film

A new documentary about Canadian group Nickelback shows how they have been "hurt" by being labelled as the most hated band in rock, according to its producer.

Hate to Love: Nickelback was produced by broadcaster Ben Jones from Highcliffe in Dorset.

The film charts the highs and lows of the four-piece who have been vilified on the internet in recent years, despite their massive record sales.

Mr Jones blamed their reputation on "keyboard warriors" on social media.

Martin Clunes sends video to superhero fundraiser

Carmela, from Wareham, is covering 100 miles along the Jurassic Coast

Julia's House Carmela, from Wareham wearing a light blue julia's house t-shirt over her superhero costume and stood next to her wheelchair — Carmela, from Wareham, is covering 100 miles along the Jurassic Coast

A 10-year-old girl with muscular dystrophy who is trekking 100 miles along Dorset's Jurassic Coast for charity has received a message of support from Martin Clunes.

Carmela, from Wareham, is covering the distance on foot and in her wheelchair to raise money for Julia's House children's hospice.

Doc Martin actor Clunes, who lives in Dorset and is a patron of the charity, recorded the video message from Greenland.

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