Oscar Wilde's bill at a top London hat shop has finally been settled by an artist - 105 years after the goods were bought

Abstract painter Royston du Maurier, 46, of Park Crescent, Worthing, acted after watching a television programme about James Long & Co, the UK's oldest hat maker.

It ended by showing a list of debts, including Wilde's account, and Mr du Maurier immediately made out a cheque for £3.30 - equivalent to the £3 6s that Wilde owed.

He enclosed a note saying: "I must apologise on his behalf on this long overdue payment but history tells his story."

Shortly after Wilde bought the hats he was sent to Reading Jail on seven counts of gross indecency.

He was released in 1897, but was bankrupt and failed to settle the account. He fled to France, where he died 100 years ago.

Mr du Maurier, a big fan of the playwright who lived for a time in Worthing, said: "I thought it would be nice to pay the bill as a mark of respect."

Janet Taylor, of James Lock & Co, said: "It has left us a bit surprised."

The shop had long ago given up any hope of having the bill settled, which is worth almost £200 today.