The wife of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has accepted damages of �50,000 over false claims she was being investigated over charity money.

Heather Mills sued the Sunday Mirror newspaper over an article that alleged the Charity Commission was looking in to money she raised for an Indian earthquake victims appeal in 2001.

Mills, who married Sir Paul in June, complained that the story was unfounded.

The former model has spent many years raising money for amputees after losing her left leg below the knee in a motorbike accident in 1993.

She and Sir Paul have recently been leading campaigns against landmines.

Heather Mills campaigns against landmines

Mills now plans to donate the damages to the Adopt-A-Minefield UK.

A statement said she was "pleased the Sunday Mirror has recognised that the allegations were unfounded and that her reputation has been vindicated."

"She is also pleased that she may now concentrate on the important issue of her charity work instead of wasting an enormous amount of valuable time and energy defending her charity and herself," it added.

The Sunday Mirror has also agreed to pay Mills' legal costs.

Sir Paul first admitted his love for Mills in 2000 - but rumours of their romance had been circulating since 1999.

They couple became close after recording a charity single to raise money for people who had lost limbs in war zones.

They married in Ireland in June 2002 at the estate of Castle Leslie in Glaslough, making their vows at nearby San Salvator's church.

Three hundred guests, including Ringo Starr and former Beatles producer George Martin, attended the lavish party.