Britney and ex settle custody row

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline have reached an agreement that grants the pop singer more overnight visits with her children and averts a custody trial scheduled for next month, lawyers said tonight.

The agreement was announced following a closed-door session between lawyers for both sides and a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner. Neither Spears or Mr Federline appeared, but the settlement resolves several lingering financial and visitation issues, lawyers said.