An inquest into the death of Brighton journalist Rowan Dore has recorded a verdict of suicide.

Rowan, who worked for The Argus, was found hanged at his home in Rottingdean on December 15 last year.

Brighton coroner John Hooper heard how Rowan was a popular man who worked hard and excelled in his profession, but had been suffering from depression.

Those close to him noticed a change in his personality following his father’s death in May.

He had also had financial problems, was suffering from stress and had been receiving psychiatric care at the request of his family.

Recording a verdict of suicide, the coroner said: “He was a successful, well-liked person, which probably added to the difficulty he had in accepting the advice and support offered to him.”

Rowan had worked at The Argus in two separate stints, first joining in the 1970s, having previously worked at the Harrow Observer.

In 1976 he joined the Press Association, and reported on trials at the Old Bailey and on political issues at Parliament for 21 years until he rejoined The Argus in 1997.