A wealthy businessman who shares his Elizabethan stately home with pensioners he saved from eviction is holding a house-warming party to celebrate.

Millionaire chartered accountant Richard Burrows has moved into the south wing of the £3 million Grade I-listed Danny in Hurstpierpoint.

Mr Burrows agreed to let 30 pensioners, already renting apartments in the building, stay on.

Many had been worried they would be forced out after the mansion's previous owner went into liquidation.

Mr Burrows, 40, his wife Rachael, 38 and their three young children are settling in their new home in an eight-acre estate after moving from Putney.

The house-warming party takes place on September 5 and about 250 people are expected to attend, including family, friends and residents.

Danny, built in 1596, was put on the market by the Country Houses Association earlier this year and bought by Mr Burrows in March.

Weddings will be held at the mansion and Mr Burrows is also planning to hold community events including concerts, veteran car rallies and fetes.

The apartments are rented privately to people aged 55 and over, each paying up to £3,000 a month, which includes meals, bills and the use of guest rooms.

The stately home is steeped in history. During the First World War, Danny was rented by the prime minister Lloyd George as a secure location for Cabinet meetings.

Lloyd George's Imperial War Cabinet met in the Great Hall to consider peace terms in the final year of war.