A CARER honoured by the Queen fought back tears as she and her husband were acquitted of child cruelty.

Foster parents Aideen Jones, who has received an OBE for her work with disabled children, and Denis Jones, were accused of five counts of abusing two children while working at the Bryn Alyn care home in Wrexham between 1975 and 1980, at Pentre Saeson Hall.

It took the jury at Mold Crown Court, sitting in Chester, less than an hour yesterday to return unanimous not guilty verdicts.

The couple, of Sandgate Close, Seaford, said throughout the trial the allegations made against them were “lies” and “shocking”.

Chris Saltrese, solicitor for Mr Jones, 66, and Mrs Jones, 63, said: "My clients are extremely grateful to judge, jury and defence counsel in ensuring that justice was done.

"This case has cost my clients their jobs and their savings and has caused them untold distress. But this prosecution should not have been brought."