Villagers on an East Yorkshire estate today said they were pleased it had been sold off in one piece to a local man.

Residents in Warter, near Pocklington, had feared the 11,000-acre estate would fall into the hands of a celebrity or absentee landlord, or be split up and sold off in lots to various new owners.

They had hoped the tiny Wolds village with only 150 residents would be kept intact in the sale to minimise disruption to their way of life.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press, East Yorkshire kitchens tycoon Malcolm Healey has bought Warter, for a reputed £48 million.

Last week, the Evening Press exclusively revealed Warter's new owner as Mr Healey - reckoned to be Britain's 109th richest man with an estimated wealth of £220 million.

Mr Healey set up Humber Kitchens in Hull in 1976, along with his brother Eddie, and acquired the Hygena brand name in 1981.

Six years later he sold the business, netting £200 million, and went on to repeat the exercise in America.

Agents for the sale FPD Savills refused to reveal the purchase price, but it is believed to be £48 million.

It had been put on the market by previous owner, the Marquis of Normanby, with a guide price of £30 million. The estate has been sold as a whole and Mr Healey intends to farm it in hand, said FPD Savills.

Locals today welcomed the news.

One elderly woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I should think everyone will be pleased."

Another resident said: "I imagine people are really pleased it has been sold as a one-off.

"People have lived here for generations.

"People were very concerned about all these celebrities. They are pleased it has gone to a local person who probably has a serious interest in the area rather than some 'name'."

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