A 12-year-old boy left brain damaged during his birth at an Oxfordshire hospital has won "very substantial" compensation at the High Court.

Tom Faulkner suffered "complete deprivation of oxygen in the very last moments before he was born" at The Horton, Banbury, in February 1990, the court was told yesterday (26 November).

Oxfordshire Health Authority accepted responsibility for the mistake and a settlement has been made with Tom and his parents -- farm manager Nigel and Nicola -- out of court.

In court yesterday, Tom's counsel, Jane Tracy-Foster said his oxygen starvation had been sufficient to cause "irreparable" cerebral palsy.

Tom's parents were living in Wroxton Lane, Horley, near Banbury, when their son was born. They have since moved to New Zealand.

They fought for damages from the now dissolved Oxfordshire Health Authority, claiming there had been a negligent delay in Tom's delivery despite clear signs of foetal distress.

Miss Tracy-Foster said a "very substantial" settlement had been agreed out of court by Thames Valley Health Authority -- the body replacing Oxfordshire Health Authority.

Approving the award, Judge Mr Justice Bell said: "I hope that somebody will convey my best wishes to Tom's parents."

Christina Lambert, for the TVHA, said a letter of apology would be sent to Tom and his parents.