The peregrine falcons who have made their home on top of the tallest building in Brighton are flying high after receiving their own nest egg of £1,000.

The residents of Sussex Heights, where the birds have reared their chicks on the roof for the past three years, have given the money to the Sussex Ornithological Society.

It is from their successful legal action against the former managing agents of Sussex Heights.

Thanks to the work of the Sussex Ornithological Society, backed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds which provided the secure nesting box, the birds have reared seven females on top of the 334ft luxury tower block.

They are believed to be the only peregrine falcons regularly breeding in an urban environment in the South of England.

The residents of Sussex Heights have been delighted with their feathered neighbours.

And when they reached a deal following their successful action they agreed £1,000 should be given to the bird society.

Company secretary Mairin Forbes, who is a great fan of the peregrines, helped pave the way for the nesting box to be installed after the pair started to make Sussex Heights their territory in 1997.

The money will enable the society to continue the nesting project and keep its video camera which monitors the birds.

Graham Roberts, of the society, said: "This is a marvellous gesture from the residents of Sussex Heights.

"It will enable us to continue the project which has attracted interest across this country and abroad. The money will enable us to have live pictures from inside the nestbox itself."

The three chicks born on the roof this year have now flown the nest. Their parents are still in residence.