Grieving widower Terry Pemberton has been labelled a "tolerated trespasser" in his own home.

Mr Pemberton, 58, shared the council-owned house with wife Margaret for almost 30 years.

But because the four-bedroom property in Colbourne Avenue, Moulsecoombe, Brighton, was passed on through his in-laws, city legislation meant it always remained in his wife's name.

When Mrs Pemberton died from cancer earlier this year, aged 53, it left Terry technically homeless.

Housing chiefs at Brighton and Hove City Council first said he would have to leave.

They have since relented until they can find him a flat - but sent him a new rent book with the term "tolerated Trespasser" where his name should be.

Heartbroken Terry, who has worked as an engineer at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for 20 years, said: "My name is Mr Pemberton, not tolerated trespasser.

"It's absolutely disgusting. They are not treating me like a human being."

Terry and Margaret moved into the house 28 years ago to look after Mrs Pemberton's mother and father. When they died, the house was transferred to Mrs Pemberton.

The couple brought up their son Lee, now 24, at the house, which they regarded as their own.

They were weeks away from their silver wedding anniversary in September last year when, days after returning from a holiday in Greece, Mrs Pemberton was taken ill.

A lump on Mrs Pemberton's neck was diagnosed as cancer.

Mr Pemberton took leave to nurse her. She died in January.

The couple had tried to get his name on the tenancy but were told it was not possible under council rules.

The widower is now living among boxes, waiting for his marching orders.

He said: "This is my home. I didn't mind being told I would have to move out, because it has four bedrooms and there's only me here, but to be called a trespasser is disgusting.

"The council has no feelings whatsoever."

Mr Pemberton's case has been taken on by city council candidate Ian Hills, who is standing for election in the Moulsecoomb ward for the UK Independence Party.

A city council spokeswoman said: "We apologise unreservedly to Mr Pemberton if we've caused him distress. Unfortunately, the term tolerated trespasser is a legal phrase which we have to use."