Thanks to the benevolence of a mystery donor, the borough now has its very own copy of the Domesday Book.

Housed within two weighty volumes, the photocopied replica, which refers to Croydon and Sanderstead, is the earliest known census of England.

But mystery still surrounds the identity of Croydon's anonymous 21st century benefactor.

Leisure chiefs have only confirmed that the benefactor is a Croydon resident and the £12,000 leather bound tome is a "gift to the people of the borough".

Steve Halsey, Croydon's director of leisure services, said: "We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Croydon resident concerned, who has made this fascinating gift to the borough possible. Those with an interest in history now have the ideal opportunity to explore in detail the status of Croydon and the surrounding area back in the 11th century.