Bryan and Andrew Finlay have climbed Ben Nevis to mark the 35th anniversary of their father Ronnie's death. The brothers, from Castlederg, were accompanied by about 20 relatives and friends on the climb, which raised money for a parish centre at Derg Parish Church.

Ronnie Finlay was a former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment who was shot dead by republican gunmen 35 years ago. Bryan was 10 years old at the time and witnessed the killing. Bryan said the climb began around the same time of day as the fatal attack.

Conditions on the mountain were wet and misty, making the terrain demanding. Andrew said the group paused to allow him and Bryan to reach the summit together. The act of remembrance there was an emotional moment he would never forget.

At the summit war memorial, which stands 4,413 feet above sea level, Canon Peter Ferguson, rector of Derg Parish Church, led a service. He read from the Psalms, and Bryan recited a poem called 'the UDR Soldier' in memory of his father.

The brothers left poppy crosses on the war memorial. A commemorative plaque they carried to the summit will be placed on display at the Royal British Legion in Castlederg.

Canon Ferguson said the climb was both a spiritual and physical experience. He described leading worship on the mountain top as a privilege and said he felt the group was accompanied from the moment they left the Derg area for Scotland. He added that the project had surpassed expectations.

Ronnie Finlay was from Castlederg, a churchwarden at Derg Parish Church at the time of his death and an Orangeman. The charity climb raised thousands of pounds for the parish centre at the church.