A boy of eight who was starved of oxygen at birth has been awarded £3.7 million agreed damages.

James Newbury, who lives with his parents, Richard and Lorna, in Lewes, suffers from cerebral palsy to a "devastating degree" and depends on his family for his everyday needs, London's High Court heard.

James suffered neurological damage when he was born at Luton and Dunstable Hospital in December 1995.

Since then his parents have both given up their jobs to care for him.

Peter Andrews, QC, told Mr Justice David Clarke the couple had shown a determination to care for their only child as best they could to provide an environment where he could thrive in every way.

He said: "This is a family devastated by the effects of the neurological damage to James.

"They have been trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives for eight years.

"Money can never replace damaged brain, tissue and body but this is a family who, with great support, will now be able to face the future with some heart."

Solicitor Robert Wilson, for Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust, which admitted liability, offered the trust's sincere apologies.

He said: "No parent expects in advance to have to cope with circumstances like this but there has never been any doubt of their unstinting commitment.

"We hope this compensation will enable James to have the best possible quality of life."

A statement issued on behalf of James's parents paid tribute to their "very happy, lively and vocal little boy".

It said he loved watching television, swimming and going to school.

They said: "The way James copes with his multiple disabilities is inspirational; he is always happy and never complains."