THE chief executive of Carmarthenshire Council is counter-suing an internet blogger who is suing him, the council has confirmed.

Llanwdra mum Jacqui Thompson, 49, launched defamation proceedings against the council and chief executive Mark James late last year.

In a statement, the council said: "Following legal advice, Mr James is counter-suing as well as defending."

Mrs Thompson said: "I can confirm that he (Mr James) has brought a counter claim against me for libel."

On Wednesday, the Evening Post revealed the council's executive board had granted Mr James an indemnity for the authority to bear the costs associated with the legal action.

Mrs Thompson hit the headlines this summer for being arrested and later released without charge for filming a council meeting.