A Stanley community is coming together to pray for Dec’s brother, Father Dermott, who it has been announced is “extremely unwell in hospital.”

The catholic community aims to come together to pray for Father Dermott Donnelly tomorrow evening (Friday, July 8).

In a statement on Facebook, it was announced that Mr Dermott, brother to Declan Donnelly of Ant and Dec fame, is “extremely unwell” in hospital.

Read more: 'There should be a General Election': Aycliffe residents have say as Boris resigns

The news was announced by Pontop Partnership, which is a partnership of ten Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

People have been asked to be “respectful” to Father Dermott, as well as his family at this difficult time.

It added: “we will update you as and when we receive the most up-to-date information verified by the Diocese.”

Father Dermott conducted his brother Dec’s wedding to Ali Astall at St Michael's Church, in Elswick, in 2014 where he had been a priest since 1992.

The priest is also responsible for setting up a youth outreach programme, which is aimed at introducing disadvantaged youngsters to the Catholic Church.

Read more: County Durham woman, 61, charged and fined after being caught speeding 20mph over limit

Prayers will be held at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley tomorrow evening between 6pm and 7pm, before the Blessed Sacrament.

The full statement on Facebook reads: “Please pray for Father Dermott who is extremely unwell in hospital.

“Tomorrow evening between 6pm-7pm there will be period of time before the Blessed Sacrament so that we can come together as a community in St Joseph's Church to pray for Father Dermott's welfare.

“Please be respectful to Father Dermott and his family at this difficult time, we will update you as and when we receive the most up to date information verified by the Diocese.”

--------

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054