DOZENS of people suing Kirklees Council over a child abuse scandal have settled out of court.

In total, 86 claims were launched after a massive three-year police inquiry into allegations stretching back 30 years at children's homes.

Now it has been revealed that 69 people have reached a settlement.

The terms have not been disclosed.

Talks are continuing between solicitors and the council on the remaining 17 cases.

Three men were jailed for between four and 10 years for offences against children.

Disciplinary action was taken against other people employed by Kirklees Council and four workers were sacked.

A huge police investigation, Operation Clyde, involved 2,226 interviews with former residents, staff and council officials.

The children's homes affected included Royd Edge at Meltham, Rivendell and The Mount, both in Dewsbury, and Westfields, Mirfield.

A council spokesman said: "We will not be commenting on this matter."