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Thirteen victims of child abuse have been awarded damages totalling more than £300,000 by the high court.

The victims, who were all former residents of children's homes in North Wales and Shropshire run by the privately owned Bryn Alyn Community, received compensation ranging from £5,000 to £47,000 for abuse that took place between 1973 and 1991.

Bryn Alyn was run by former managing director, John Allen, who was convicted in 1995 of six offences of indecent assault on residents and jailed for six years.

The company went into voluntary liquidation in 1997.

"This is a victory for the claimants who were required to prove everything including the abuse. While the judgement is in favour of the claimants - a recognition that the system of care was wholly inappropriate and that the abuse took place - the funds awarded by the judge in each claim are capable of review by the Court of Appeal," said Billhar Singh Uppal, solicitor for the claimants.

He added: "Permission to appeal has been given in three cases and each of the remaining claimants will consider the question of appeal as to damages.''