An autistic woman adopted as a two-year-old could be moved more than 50 miles from her elderly father.

The care home where Teresa Spence, 37, lives is closing later this year.

Her father, Albert Spence, has been told Teresa could be moved to Kent, Surrey or London if the city council cannot find her another home in Brighton.

Mr Spence, 85, of London Road, Brighton, said: "I think it is disgraceful and I do not know what to do about it.

"I do not have Teresa at home now because at my age I cannot look after her but they bring her to visit me for a few hours once a week."

Teresa was adopted by Mr Spence and his wife Mary when she was two years old. Mrs Spence died 21 years ago.

Mr Spence said: "I want her to stay down here. I cannot travel too far. But I am not just thinking of myself not being able to see her I am thinking of Teresa. I dread to think what she would be like if they move her away.

"With autism you cannot swap and move people about. If you move them you can put them back years.

"It is not like being mentally handicapped. She can dress herself but would not know whether she was putting on dirty or clean clothes. She cannot go out on her own as she has no road sense. She cannot read or write.

"People who know how to deal with autistic people know that disruption gets them very worked up. When Teresa gets worked up she bangs her head against things.

"I am really worried and no one seems to be able to tell me what will happen."

Autism is the result of a neurological disorder which affects the functioning of the brain and affects social interaction and communication skills.

Teresa has lived in a home in Hamilton Road for 14 years but it is no longer deemed fit for long-term residence and is closing.

Mr Spence, who is disabled, said: "For 14 months I thought she would be going to live in Hollingdean.

"She was promised a place. But about a month ago they told me she is not going there and they do not know where she is going.

"Then last week I received a letter telling me they only have until the end of March to find somewhere and that she could may have to go to Kent, Surrey or London.

"How would I get to these places?"

Mr Spence has two sons but they do not live in the area.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said the home was not being closed in March and Mr Spence had been given the wrong information.

He said they were visiting Mr Spence to apologise and explain.

He said the home would be kept open until the end of June and possibly longer.

He said: "Teresa has complex needs. We have put a great deal of energy into finding appropriate accommodation for her and will continue to do so.

"We very much hope this will be within the city, and we are committed to working with Mr Spence to try to find a solution that gives Teresa the care she needs and also respects his wish to see her regularly."