A WOMAN who won a case against Nissan after male colleagues watched pornography in their breaks has been awarded an undisclosed amount in compensation.

Beverley Ward, a former paint shop worker at Nissan's Wearside plant, took the company to an industrial tribunal earlier this year.

She said she was forced to eat her lunch in a toilet while male colleagues watched hardcore pornography, yet was held up as an example of Nissan's equal opportunities policy and forced to sit beside Tony Blair when he visited the plant.

Miss Ward, 24, of Ferryhill, County Durham, also told the tribunal that her supervisor, Dean Simpson, said she was not wanted because she was a girl.

In May, the tribunal ruled that she had suffered sex discrimination and been unfairly dismissed, but a financial settlement was postponed.

Yesterday, an agreement was finally reached at a remedies hearing in Newcastle, although those involved signed a confidentiality clause preventing them from disclosing the amount.

Following news of Miss Ward's victory, it was predicted that she could receive more than £50,000 in compensation.

A Nissan spokesman said: "Miss Ward and Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Limited have reached a settlement of Miss Ward's tribunal claim.

"The parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement should remain confidential."

Last night, neither Miss Ward, nor her solicitor Lawrence Petterson, were available for comment.

Following Miss Ward's allegations, Nissan admitted that it had been alerted to about 25 men allegedly watching "unsuitable" material.

The firm said it had acted swiftly to clamp down on the practice.

It was believed that every manager and supervisor on site was told that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

When Miss Ward, who was the only woman among 300 male paint shop workers, won the tribunal, Mr Petterson said she was "highly delighted", and felt vindicated in taking the action.

She has since vowed never to work in a factory again, and said she hopes to pursue a career in fashion or design.