A man who faced eviction from the home he has lived in for more than 50 years is now likely to be able to stay, experts claim.

Graham Burgess, 57, was told earlier this year he was being booted out of his council house in Chelwood Close, Brighton, just weeks after the death of his father.

He has lived there since 1957, apart from a short period living in Newick, near Lewes, in the 1990s.

Brighton and Hove City Council claimed the twobedroom property was underoccupied with just one person living there and said its tenancy could not be transferred from Mr Burgess's father to him.

After The Argus highlighted his plight and following the intervention of an expert on council house tenancy, it appears Mr Burgess will be able to stay.

Under council rules tenancy of its properties cannot be passed between family members more than once.

The council claimed the tenancy of Mr Burgess's home had been passed from his mother to his father when she died - therefore making a transfer between Mr Burgess and his father against the rules. But Mr Burgess maintained that his parents had a joint tenancy and, therefore, his taking over of the tenancy was only the first time it has been transferred.

Stuart Gover, of Brighton and Hove Council Leaseholders Independent Forum, said: "The discussions I have had with senior figures at the council have been very productive and it appears they now accept the tenancy has only been transferred once.

"I would be absolutely amazed if, following the talks I've had on Graham's behalf, he is forced out.

"He has a legitimate right to be in the home and the council now appears to accept that."

Mr Burgess said: "I've not had any confirmation in writing but I understand the council is using some common sense and that I'm due to have the decision confirmed soon."

The council sent Mr Burgess a letter, dated May 2, warning him because he was a single man of working age, he was viewed as a low priority on its housing list.

Council housing officer, Tim Huntley, added: "As a consequence I must advise you you will not have an ongoing entitlement to remain at Chelwood Close."

The letter said he would have to vacate by June 2.

Brighton and Hove City Council was unable to confirm whether Mr Burgess would be allowed to stay.

Both his ward councillors, Geoffrey Theobald and Brian Pigeon have previously said they support his bid to stay in his home.