An animal-loving millionairess has left a share of her £59 million will to her handyman and housekeeper for caring for her pets.

Tony Scillitoe, of London Road, Maldon, inherited £100,000 from Christina Foyle, owner of Foyle's Bookshops in Charing Cross.

The 88-year-old widow, who died in June, lived alone at Beeleigh Abbey, Maldon, with her dog Bobby, who was often walked by Mr Scillitoe .

The money she left is thought to be in return for Mr Scillitoe, 70, looking after Miss Foyle's tortoises which he now keeps with him at his home.

Former housekeeper Maureen Harding has been left the cottage in the grounds of the 12th century estate. She no longer works there. She is looking after the 13 cats Miss Foyle kept around her as a condition of continuing to live in the property.

The remainder of the money is to be set up in a charitable trust in Miss Foyle's name.

Mr Scillitoe, who lives with his wife, did not want to comment on his windfall today but other employees remembered Miss Foyle as a "great character".

Vic Slade, estate manager at the abbey, worked for Miss Foyle and her husband Ronald Batty part-time for 15 years.

"There was nothing I would not have done for her. She was a great character whom we all miss very much.

He said Bobby was her most beloved pet.

"He was quite an aggressive dog and was very protective of her. Tony was the only one that could deal with him," he added.

Ian Marsh, Miss Foyle's solicitor, confirmed today she had left £59 million in her estate. He said there were a number of legacies of which the largest two were to Mr Scillitoe and Mrs Harding.

Miss Foyle died in her sleep on June 8 while recovering from a chest infection.

She had no children, and her ashes were scattered in the grounds of the abbey alongside her husband's.

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