They were inseparable, but the Nevell brothers gave outsiders few clues to their wealth.

Alan and Adrian Nevell amassed their fortune by building up a portfolio of property along the South Coast.

But perhaps the only outward sign was the fact that they kept the flats surrounding their own in Albany Villas, Hove, empty because they didn't want anyone living above or below them.

The extent of their investments has now been revealed in Adrian Nevell's £1.7 million will, which goes mainly to friends and relatives but also gives £4,000 to good causes.

The gifts are the final chapter in a remarkable story of the strong bond between two brothers.

They were never seen apart, and rarely spotted without Alan's partner of 45 years, Nora Sharman.

She met the Nevells during the Second World War, when she drove ambulances and they were pilots - in the same squadron by request.

The brothers moved to Hove from London after the war, but Nora continued to live on her own in Lansdowne Street. Alan said he would never marry her because it would mean leaving his younger brother behind.

At first both set up in business, Alan as an estate agent and Adrian in accountancy.

But while the elder brother thrived, Adrian found his head for figures did not compensate for his failings at running a company.

Neighbour and close friend Charles Willard said: "Alan was the brains, Adrian was very good with figures but needed guidance.

"Alan was quite mean. He wasn't into speculating with his money. Adrian, on the other hand, had no control over money.

"When his brother died he said, 'I have so much money, I don't know how to handle it'. But he wasn't going to spend it."

The brothers' business, AAB Nevell, was based in Church Road, Hove. Its offices have since closed. They also owned other homes and commercial buildings in Shoreham and Hove.

The circle was finally broken when Nora died four years ago, followed ten months later by Alan, aged 90. Adrian died in March, aged 89.

Adrian's will leaves £1,000 each to the RNIB Sunshine House School, in East Grinstead, Chailey Residential Special School in North Chailey, the Salvation Army and Barnardo's.

The brothers had been long-time backers of the causes but kept the reasons for their support close to their chests.