A Bishop has passed on 'a special request' from the family to members of the public who wish to attend the funeral of Father Dermott Donelly.

The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Rt Rev Bishop Robert Byrne said the Mass will be livestreamed due to limited space in the church. 

The Priest, who was the brother of TV presenter Declan Donnelly and served with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, died at the age of 55 on July 8 when he collapsed during an event in the afternoon and was taken to hospital. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

On the Diocese of Newcastle ad Hexham website, Bishop Robert Byrne said: "Fr Dermott’s body will be received into St Michael’s in  Newcastle at 7pm on Thursday, July 28 and a Mass will be celebrated.

"The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12.05 pm on Friday July 29 at St Mary’s Cathedral."

A message from the Donnelly family also adds: "Due to limited space in the Cathedral, we would encourage those who wish to participate in the Requiem Mass on Friday 29 July to gather at St Michael’s Church, Westmorland Road, where the Mass will be live-streamed and Holy Communion will be made available. Following the Requiem Mass, Fr Dermott’s cortège will pass St Michael’s for those who wish to pay their respects.”