Respected journalist Rowan Dore took his own life while suffering from depression, an inquest heard.

Family, friends and colleagues spoke highly of Mr Dore at yesterday's Brighton hearing.

Mr Dore, 56, who had worked for The Argus since 1997, was found hanged at home in Rottingdean on December 15 last year.

Brighton coroner John Hooper heard Mr Dore was a popular, sociable, hardworking man who excelled in his profession.

Those close to him noticed a change in his personality in the final months of his life 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, Mr Hooper 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."