Hundreds of euros have been raised in memory of a journalist to mark what would have been his 47th birthday.

The family and friends of Brian Hutton raised more than €800 for the Save St Mura’s Cross campaign, which aims to preserve a 7th century cross in Fahan, County Donegal.

Brian, pictured, began his career on the Telegraph in 2003 and later provided coverage of the North-West of Ireland for the Daily Mirror.

He also spent a decade with PA, based in Dublin, where he became deputy news editor.

Brian died suddenly on New Year’s Eve 2022 after falling ill, aged 46.

Brian’s mother Eileen told the Derry Journal: “To be able to gather as a family along with friends on his birthday was a fitting tribute to him, since he always gave so much to the people who loved him throughout his life.

“Brian is buried in Fahan, so to be able to help raise money for the heritage group is something he would have been immensely proud to be a part of.”