Sir Paul McCartney’s estranged wife Heather Mills has been awarded £24.3 million in her divorce settlement from the former Beatle.

The settlement, which was decided in the High Court by Mr Justice Bennett, ends a lengthy and public battle between the couple.

Speaking outside the court, Ms Mills said that she was “very, very, very pleased” with the settlement but that she would appeal against the decision to make it public.

The decision to reveal the sum of the settlement was taken by Mr Bennett.

As part of the settlement, Sir Paul McCartney will pay the couples' daughter, Beatrice, £35,000 a year, in addition to funding her education.

Today’s hearing showed that Ms Mills had originally sought £125 million from the former Beatle, whose first offer was £15.8 million.

(by Jason Gregory)