An elderly couple face living apart after more than 60 years because the council cannot find them accommodation.

Tony and Beryl Scott, of Highbrook Close, Brighton, had their first Christmas in 63 years without each other after Mr Scott suffered a stroke in November.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton before being transferred to Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

Just over a week ago, Mr Scott, 82, was transferred to Glentworth House Nursing Home in Pembroke Avenue, Hove, but has been told he is well enough to return home.

He is paralysed down his left side and will need a wheelchair but he and his wife, 81, live in a second-floor flat where there are no lifts, which would leave Mr Scott housebound.

Mrs Scott has asked Brighton and Hove City Council to move them to a two-bedroom, ground floor flat but has been told she will have to wait for at least two weeks until she finds out if there is any accommodation for them.

She said: "If we could move to a flat where I could get out and push him around in a wheelchair I could make him feel more secure and much happier.

"On Sunday I went out to dinner with one of my daughters and we went to the home to see him.

"When we left he cried and begged me to take him home.

"He said he did not want to stay there.

"I am trying to talk to the council but my patience is wearing thin."

Mrs Scott said the council had offered her a one-bedroom flat but they would need two bedrooms to accommodate Mr Scott's wheelchair, hoist and all the other equipment he will require.

The couple, who met when they were 16 and tried to run away to Gretna Green, married when they were 19 and had never spent time apart until Mr Scott's stroke.

Mrs Scott said: "We are both a bit edgy.

"I am really tired and I do not know how much longer I can keep going.

"I think he feels the same and he feels sad when I go.

"For a grown man to cry, it is really terrible. It has upset us both."

A council spokeswoman said: "Mr and Mrs Scott were offered two properties which they turned down and are currently bidding for a third property.

"They are in the highest banding so have a good chance of securing this property if they feel it is right for them.

"The council has advised them to increase their bids for properties through the Homemove service and that will increase their chances of finding a suitable home as quickly as possible."