The brothers of piano legend Russ Conway, who lived in Eastbourne, are at loggerheads over his will.

Mr Conway, who was born Trevor Stanford, lived for many years in the resort.

He died of cancer in 2000 and a bitter family feud has erupted between his brothers Ralph, 83, and Philip, 78.

The dispute escalated when Ralph Stanford reported his brother Philip's daughter Jackie Williams to the police over the alleged theft of a book.

The brothers are now only communicating through solicitors and, unless an agreement can be reached about Mr Conway's belongings, the matter could end up in court.

In his will Mr Conway, who sold more than 20 million albums, said all his gold discs, royalties and the copyright of his works should go to his niece Mrs Williams and her children. But he also requested that his musical arrangements and orchestrations should be given to a youth orchestra.

Ralph Stanford said he was looking after hundreds of the published musical arrangements at his home near Cullompton, Devon.

He said he had agreed with Mr Conway's solicitors for the arrangements to go to the official archives in the family's home city of Bristol where a number of youth orchestras operate.

But he said his niece took several box-loads away to sort through and has not returned them. He said she also took a book and added: "I went to the police about it. They said I should speak to a solicitor.

"My brother then phoned me up and said he was disgusted with me.

"It is a shame that Trevor's name is being dragged through the dirt. I feel they seem to think I am doing this for personal reasons but I am not interested in keeping the music for any financial value."

He added: "I have had a lot of people write to me. Over the last year and a half I have had something like 500 letters from fans all over the world and have replied and sent out a newsletter."

Philip Stanford, who lives in Dunster, Somerset, said: "I thought it was appalling to accuse my daughter of theft.

"Nobody has any objections to the arrangements going to the archives but they should be seen and catalogued first by my grandchildren."

John Benson, the solicitor handling Mr Conway's estate, said: "I think we will be able to find a compromise without going to court."