A religious guru known as the Siberian Jesus and who claims to be the son of God will lodge with a Brighton pensioner on his first visit to England.

Vissarion, a former traffic policeman and factory worker, leads a 4,000-strong religious commune set up in the harsh climate and conditions of a remote region of Siberia.

Next week he will be offered the creature comforts of Yeva Gladwin's home in The Cliff, Roedean, though she is worried about catering for his strict vegan diet.

Vissarion will be giving a public talk at the Old Market in Hove on Wednesday following a flying visit to Rome.

It is unlikely he will be using his three-day stay to sample Brighton's thriving city centre nightlife.

He urges followers to abstain from smoking, drinking and drug-taking in favour of healing exercises and studying religions to improve spiritual harmony. Veganism is compulsory.

As well as Wednesday's event, Yeva's doors will be open throughout Vissarion's stay for anyone wanting his words of wisdom.

Yeva, 74, said: "He won't be wanting to watch the TV or waste his time on idle chatter. He wants to find people he can talk to on serious matters."

Sergei Torop was a traffic officer in the small Russian town of Minusinsk until 1989, when he announced that he was the son of God and changed his name to Vissarion.

His Church of the Last Testament has attracted followers including musicians, actresses, teachers, doctors and former Red Army colonels.

The event runs from 7.30pm to 10pm. For more details, contact Yeva Gladwin on 01273 605707.