East Sussex is home to three of the richest people in Britain, according to the latest rich-list statistics.

The county's wealthiest resident is Swedish-born inventor Hans Rausing, the second-richest person in Britain.

Mr Rausing, who lives near Wadhurst, amassed a fortune of £3 billion from the Tetra Pak packaging company which he sold for £3.5 billion in 1995.

His latest invention, which could make him another billion, is an environmentally friendly milk bottle made from chalk.

Sir Paul McCartney's fortune has increased from £800 million this time last year to £1.1 billion, making him the eighth richest person in Britain and the country's first pop billionaire.

The former Beatle, who has a farm at Peasmarsh, near Rye, inherited £138 million from his late wife Linda.

The third richest resident in Sussex is property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten, with a fortune of £185 million.

Hoogstraten is the 129th richest person in Britain but his wealth has dropped £15 million in the past year.

The controversial millionaire, who lives near Uckfield, has been charged with the murder of Brighton landlord Mohammed Raja.

His trial is to begin at the Old Bailey in April.