Elderly people are celebrating after being told they will be able to enjoy their last years in their sheltered homes.

Almost 30 residents at Stonehurst Court, Down Terrace, Brighton, feared they may be forced to leave their bedsits following a review of services by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Now the council has assured them they can stay put.

Penny Alexander, 83, who has lived in her ground-floor flat at Stonehurst Court for 14 years, had branded any closure plans "inhuman" and urged people to sign a petition.

She said: "I am elated at the decision to save Stonehurst Court. You don't know how much of a relief it is to know we are safe to live our last few years in peace.

"We are all happy and content here. All we wanted was security and stability.

"The stress of not knowing what was going to happen for more than six months really took its toll. I lost more than ten pounds in weight with the worry.

"But I was going to fight any plans all the way. I was determined to let the world know that old people are thinking, feeling individuals. We are still capable of putting up a fight."

Brighton and Hove Cabinet housing councillor Tehmtan Framroze said people at Ainsworth House in Brighton and Woods House in Hove had also been concerned.

He said: "Recent media coverage about the future of some sheltered housing schemes following the council's review of sheltered housing has alarmed some of the residents.

"I want to assure tenants we have no plans for their homes other than to promote their continued use as sheltered housing for older people.

"However, I was concerned about the high number of vacant flats that were taking too long to re-let.

"I have asked housing officers to ensure these flats are advertised more widely to elderly people in need of sheltered housing.

"Maximum occupation of the flats will be of benefit to all residents."

Lead housing councillor Pat Murphy, who chaired the review, said it was the first major study of sheltered housing for 30 years.

Councillors wanted these buildings to be homes for life and had allocated money for improvements. Tenants would have a role in deciding where the cash would be spent.

He added: "As long as I am the lead councillor, I will not preside over any proposal that will cause the closure of any scheme."

Mrs Alexander, who believed she had a home for life when she moved into her bedsit, said: "Once I had an assurance from Councillor Framroze that we would not have to leave, I was happy.

"I phoned all my friends and one said she was going to bring round a bottle of champagne to celebrate. I am not really a drinker but I told her to bring a straw just in case.

"I am just looking forward to spending time in my lovely home. I want to thank The Argus for all its support. I feel strong again."