The Rolling Stones made more money than any other rock act last year, a rich list has revealed.

The veteran rockers - including guitarist Keith Richards who has a home in West Wittering - earnt £55.3 million in 2003 after a world tour and spin-off DVDs.

The figure helped them topple Sir Paul McCartney from the summit of the annual list published by Heat magazine.

The former Beatle, who has homes in Hove and Peasmarsh, near Rye, had to be content with second place and earnings of £40 million, which included profits from his first European tour in a decade.

Sir Elton John was third with earnings of £34 million while Robbie Williams made £30 million, thanks partly to his record-breaking gigs at Knebworth which produced a live album and a DVD.

The payout should help him finance his expected move into a £7 million, 22-bedroom mansion in Whitford Park, Kirdford, near Billingshurst.

Coldplay came fifth with £25.3 million, followed by Sting and Phil Collins - a former resident of Loxwood, near Billingshurst - in joint sixth. Both earnt £25.1 million.

Fleetwood Mac were eighth while Iron Maiden and Dido completed the top ten.