An investigation which concluded two nursery workers had abused children was open, detailed, thorough and fair, the head of an independent body which monitored the process said today.

Giving evidence in the High Court, Moira Luccock said she worked for NCH - a national voluntary children's charity - which was involved in the Independent Persons Scheme. By law, all local authorities have to appoint Independent Persons to oversee the investigation of complaints made under the Childrens Act.

Ms Luccock, who had a team of about 18 independent persons, was involved in monitoring the investigation of abuse complaints related to Newcastle's Shieldfield nursery. She was giving evidence at the libel hearing brought by former Shieldfield workers Christopher Lillie, 37, and Dawn Reed, 31.

They are suing four members of a review team which, in its 1998 report, concluded the pair had sexually, physically and emotionally abused children from the nursery.

They also are suing Newcastle City Council which commissioned the report. Four years before its publication, Mr Lillie and Ms Reed were acquitted of indecently assaulting children from the nursery.

Ms Luccock said: "In my opinion, the Review Team went about their work in a planned, professional manner following logical lines of inquiry."

"The Independent Person's report found that the investigative process was open, detailed, thorough and fair."

The hearing is continiung.