Almost £25,000 raised by legendary pianist Russ Conway has been donated to two charities after sitting idle in an account since his death three years ago.

Donations to the Russ Conway Cancer Fund had lain unused in the charity's account since his death from stomach cancer in Eastbourne District General Hospital in November 2000.

An inquiry was opened by watchdog the Charities Commission in January following queries from members of the public about the account.

After talks with the watchdog, the fund's trustees decided to wind up the charity and donated the remaining £24,670 to two charities close to his heart - St Wilfrid's Hospice in Mill Gap Road, Eastbourne, and St Peter's Hospice in his native Bristol.

Matron Barbara Cameron, of St Wilfrid's Hospice, said: "He visited the hospice and took great interest in our supporting patients with advanced diseases by providing specialist care in the hospice, at home and as day cases."

Russ Conway, real name Trevor Stanford, founded the charity in December 1991 to raise money for cancer and leukaemia sufferers.

He had taken a big interest in its operation, taking total control of its activities and performing across the country to raise thousands of pounds.

Two years after his death concerns were raised by members of the public, who had not received copies of the charity's accounts when they sought them.

The commission launched its inquiry in January after the charity had failed to submit an annual return and an annual report and accounts.

Yesterday, the inquiry report was published.

David Rich, the commission's head of investigations, said: "We're delighted the funds are being split as Russ Conway worked with both these charities during his lifetime.

It means cancer sufferers can continue to benefit."

Russ Conway, who lived in a Spanish-style house in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, for 17 years, recovered from an operation to remove a stomach cancer in 1990.

He later launched the fund which raised about £80,000 for children suffering from cancer-related illnesses.

Stomach complications followed his initial illness and he was rushed back into hospital.

Four years before his death, the stomach operation had to be repeated. The cancer did not return and he was given the all clear.

Russ Conway sprang to fame on the Billy Cotton Band Show in 1958. He recorded a total of 17 consecutive hits including chart-toppers Side Saddle, Roulette and China Tea.

He sold more than 20 million records during a 40-year career.

A stroke two years before his death brought fears he might never play again but he was to make yet another comeback.

He recorded an album shortly before his death and performed at a sell-out concert at Eastbourne's Congress Theatre to mark his 75th birthday.