AFTER a lengthy reign, the Duke of Westminster has been knocked off the top-spot of the Sunday Times Rich List.

But Chester's internet millionaire Simon Nixon has soared through the rankings, multiplying his wealth by nearly six in the last year.

The list, which was released last weekend, revealed that Gerald Grosvenor, worth about £5 billion, has been usurped by Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

Following its release, a spokeswoman for the Grosvenor estate highlighted the Duke and Duchess' charitable work, which was omitted from the list.

While multi-million charitable donations by generous stars and entrepreneurs such as Sir Elton John and Lord Sainsbury, were named, there was no mention of the Duke's contributions.

A spokeswoman said: 'I think the amounts mentioned in the lists were one of donations in the last year, where as His Grace continually makes contributions to the Westminster Foundation.

'In addition, he and Her Grace, the Duchess of Westminster, spend a lot of time carrying out work and supporting charitable organisations.

'They also open up the their gardens three times a year and allow organisations to hold functions in their gift room.'

The Duke is patron of more than 50 charities, including the NSPCC, and is president of a further 50, including the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

His wife also supports a number of appeals and, among others, is patron for Chester-based charity Save The Family.

Meanwhile Chester-based Simon Nixon is enjoying the everincreasing success of his business moneysupermarket.com, which he co-founded with friend Duncan Cameron, who is now semi-retired but still lives in Chester.

Mr Nixon made the Sunday Times Rich List 2003 worth £45 million but his wealth has now catapulted to a cool £237 million.

He is now the joint 187th richest person in the UK, which leaves him just 10 places behind the Queen and 12 places ahead of material girl Madonna and her Hollywood director husband Guy Ritchie.

Mr Nixon, who was recently voted Young Entrepreneur of the Year, says he wants to expand the business abroad.

His website, where consumers can compare financial products online, receives 40,000 visitors everyday. Sir Edward (Eddie) George, former governor of the Bank of England, has been appointed to the board of the Duke of Westminster's international property group, Grosvenor.