Solicitor Peter Garsden confirmed on Thursday that Cheshire County Council had settled out of court with 11 Kilrie victims.

Council bosses are expected to agree a further five settlements, which will take the bill to £120,000.

"The settlements have been arrived at without the council accepting liability," said Mr Garsden.

"My own opinion is that the damages are too little. They deserve far more than they are getting."

The men and women, many of whom still live in Cheshire, were abused at the children's home in Northwich Road, Knutsford, between 1979 and 1990.

Most were victims of paedophile Bruce McLean who was jailed in 1997 for nine years after he was convicted of indecently assaulting 10 youngsters.

The writ for damages was issued in 1998. Since then allegations have been made against other staff.

"These children went into care because they needed support and they came out having been abused," said Mr Garsden.

He said many were still suffering today from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, personality disorders, aggression and drink and drug-related problems.

One woman killed herself.

On Thursday, Mr Garsden said it was the most distressing case he had experienced in 20 years.

"They became totally disabled psychologically as a result of disclosing the abuse after so many years," he said.

"Some of the victims have had problems getting close to their own children because they worry they too could become child abusers."

Cheshire County Council refused to comment.