Ian Paisley MP is set to make a charitable donation as part of a libel settlement with Martina Anderson MEP, the High Court in Belfast has heard.

The court was due to hear defamation proceedings brought by Ms Anderson against Mr Paisley, but was told by lawyers that the dispute had been settled.

The court heard no details of the dispute, which was connected to a radio interview with both politicians in October 2014 following the closure of a cigarette factory in Ballymena. Neither Mr Paisley nor Ms Anderson appeared in court.

Pádraig Ó Muirigh of Ó Muirigh Solicitors, representing Ms Anderson, said: “The claim was settled in Martina Anderson’s favour. Costs are being paid by the defendant to include a payment to the Pink Ladies cancer charity in Derry.”