An Orangewoman expelled from the order in a row over wearing her sash at a funeral has launched a legal bid to be reinstated.

The High Court heard Honor Hawthorne was forced out after the event was likened to a paramilitary procession.

Mrs Hawthorne (40) has brought her action against senior representatives of the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland.

The case centres on her participation, along with five other women, at the funeral of a friend in September 2005.

Mrs Hawthorne, a shop-owner from Markethill who at the time headed up the loyal order's Armagh District No 2, disputes claims that permission was only given to wear regalia inside the church.

She is claiming a subsequent disciplinary process was unfair.

Opening the case, her barrister David Scoffield said the family of the late Lily Boyce had asked Mrs Hawthorne for Orange involvement at her funeral.

The court was told she sought permission and was referred up to the most senior officials.

The court also heard her family had a longstanding history of membership of the loyal orders.

The case was adjourned until next week.