One of Sussex's most famous citizens was born 100 years ago today.

Sir Laurence Olivier, considered by many to be the greatest actor of the 20th century, was made Baron Olivier of Brighton in 1970.

He lived in Brighton during the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties and later in a country house near Steyning until his death in 1989.

He left a lasting impression on those he met, including Graham Bennett, from Portslade, who remembers visiting Sir Laurence's home in Royal Crescent in the mid-Eighties while working as a lift engineer.

He said he was impressed by the photographs of celebrity friends on the walls and an unusual black ceiling in the study.

He said: "I was amazed because he greeted me like an old friend.

"His housekeeper wasn't in so he made me a cup of coffee himself. I must have visited him three or four times and I've never met a more polite man.

"He had a good sense of humour too. Once, when I was leaving, he said you'll have to watch the television tonight, one of my oldies is on.'"

Long-time fan Beryl Fleming, from Cissbury Gardens in Findon Valley, near Worthing, saw the remastered version of Henry V, shown at the Brighton Dome on Monday.

She said: "Along with many of his devotees, I waited at stage doors for the great man to emerge and sign autographs.

"He recognised his regulars, saying hello, you again.' He had a charisma today's mundane personalities do not possess."