A decision to take a bakery to court in a row over a pro-gay marriage cake slogan has been described as "bonkers" by the North's first minister Peter Robinson.

Mr Robinson criticised the North's Equality Commission's decision to fund legal action against Ashers Baking Company.

The County Antrim bakery firm refused a customer's request for a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage.

Mr Robinson told the BBC the commission needed to "wind their necks in" at a time when public funds were under pressure.

The cake was ordered from Asher's Belfast shop in May by a gay rights activist who wanted it to feature the logo of a campaign group called 'Queerspace'.

The Christian-run family firm declined the order because it was "at odds" with their beliefs and has refused to pay compensation to the customer.