A letting agent owing thousands of pounds received a series of unhappy birthday greetings today from angry clients.

Landlords owed money by Keith Youngs were planning to drop off mock greeting cards to mark his 29th birthday.

While birthday envelopes can contain cash, these carried only demands for Mr Youngs to pay up.

Landlords, tenants and contractors have been left high and dry by the sudden closure of the Youngs Owen letting agency in Western Road, Hove.

Mr Youngs eventually sent letters to clients apologising and explaining how the family firm was going into liquidation.

Clients' attempts to contact him for further information have all failed and many fear they will never see their money again.

The Argus found more than £60,000 is being claimed against the firm in deposits and rents collected from tenants but not passed on.

Sussex Police have not yet decided whether or not to pursue a case against Mr Youngs, after receiving more than a dozen complaints from the public.

Exasperated clients who discovered it was Mr Youngs's birthday today believed it may be worthwhile dropping in at his home in St John's Road, Hove.

Tristan Farnworth, of Tisbury Road, Hove, who is claiming £1,620, said: "Nowhere in the letter we received is there anything about getting our money back.

"I'm seriously thinking about just going round to his flat and demanding my money, birthday or no birthday. I'm sure he'd be pleased to see me."

Natasha James, who is owed £600, has been phoning the police every day for any signs of progress since making a statement about Mr Youngs.

She said: "I thought we might have heard something more from Mr Youngs about getting our money back, but there's been nothing.

"If no one does anything, what is to stop something like this happening again, to other people?"