Former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell has chosen to give the "substantial damages" he received as a settlement from News Group Newspapers over phone hacking to various charities including Rethink Mental Illness and Mind.

Campbell is the latest person to receive a payout, following the likes of Sienna Miller and Hugh Grant, after raising suspicions with the Metropolitan Police that his phone was hacked by the now defunct newspaper News of the World in 2003 during the later days of his time in office alongside former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The former journalist said his action "had not and never has been about the money" so was happy to donate some of his damages to Rethink Mental Illness, who he has long been a supporter of.

Paul Jenkins, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Alastair has chosen to donate some of the money to us.

"He is a tireless and loyal supporter who has made a huge contribution to breaking down the stigma and discrimination which surrounds mental illness. By speaking out so candidly about his own mental health, he has brought taboo subjects out into the open and is living proof that having a mental health problem does not have to be a barrier to success."

Other charities that Campbell donated to included Beat Blood Cancer, Comprehensive Future and the Local Schools Network.