A GENEROUS local family marked the first anniversary of their brother's sudden passing by raising £1,000 for a charity which helps needy youngsters.

Maurice Sinnamon and his relatives organised a fundraiser in memory of his cherished sibling Brian, who died unexpectedly a year ago at the age of 59.

The family decided to donate the cash raised to Children in Poverty in Inverclyde.

Greenock Telegraph:

Maurice, 64, said: "We had a night in Lady Alice Bowling Club to mark Brian's first anniversary to raise money for charity.

"We decided to donate to Children in Poverty because although Brian didn't have any kids, he loved kids. He adored all his nephews and nieces and all their children.

"We are very pleased to raise £1,000 and that it will go to help local children.

"We are also donating 300 toys to the Salvation Army for their Christmas Toy appeal as well."

Family members gathered at Brian's waterfront memorial bench to present the cheque, including Maurice and his wife Janette, their daughter Suzanna and her children, and his sister Annette and her family.

Greenock Telegraph:

Annette, 56, paying tribute shortly after his death, said: "Brian was one in a million. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

"He loved his family and he was a people person."

Brian, who worked at Ferguson's as a scaffolder, suffered a cardiac arrest on October 1 last year.

The widower also left behind his brother Tom and sister Jean.

He is deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Maurice said: "The last year has been very hard, we are such a close family."

Pat Burke, founder of Children in Poverty Inverclyde, has thanked the family for the fitting gesture made in Brian's memory.

Pat said: "This donation is a wonderful legacy to Brian, it is a testament to his popularity that his family raised so much money for boys and girls in Inverclyde whose families are in desperate need.

"I am really indebted to his family. I am sure Brian would have been very proud."