The family of a girl awarded millions of pounds after being brain damaged at birth have spoken of their relief.

The £3.5 million compensation deal, awarded in the High Court on Wednesday, brings to an end a four-year legal battle which the family of Eloise Fosberry, six, said could have been resolved earlier.

Eloise suffered complications during her birth at Newham General Hospital and developed cerebral palsy, affecting all her limbs.

She and her family have since moved to Billingshurst from where they have fought a long and arduous legal battle against the hospital.

Eloise's father Karn Fosberry said last night he was pleased the case was resolved but regretted it had taken so long.

The family said they had been under a huge strain during the court battle with Newham Health Care NHS Trust but paid tribute to friends and family who had helped them through it.

Mr Fosberry said the family never once thought about backing down and said they were certain they would win.

In a joint statement, Karn and Eloise's mother Lesley, said: "We are pleased this case has now come to a close.

"However, we are disappointed the trust allowed proceedings to drag on for so long.

"This has resulted in added strain on all of us, both emotionally and financially.

"It has only been the help and support we have received from family and friends, as well as our legal team, that has sustained us during the past four years.

"We would also like to thank all the staff at Ingfield Manor School for the wonderful improvements they have brought about in Eloise.

"The settlement will allow a guaranteed annual sum which will provide for all of her needs."

Mr Fosberry said he had not received a personal apology from hospital staff after Eloise was starved of oxygen during her birth.

She was born about 45 minutes too late, which caused damage to her brain.

Mr Fosberry said: "Not having an apology does not matter to me, apologies really don't mean very much.

"If they were really sorry they would have sorted all of this out a lot earlier and not put us through this."

Newham Health Care NHS Trust issued a statement saying: "We sincerely hope the settlement will make Eloise's life more comfortable in the years to come.

"Immediately after this case was identified, the trust instigated a full investigation and has taken steps to prevent the same mistakes happening in the future."

The family, who still own a home in London, where Lesley works, plan to draw a line under the affair and start a new life in Billingshurst.

Both parents have taken unpaid leave throughout the court proceedings and said they were looking forward to getting their lives back on track.

Mr Fosberry said: "We've still got one or two legal matters to sort out and then we will begin looking for a new house. We are looking forward to starting a new chapter."

Eloise attends Ingfield Manor School in Billingshurst, which caters for children with special needs.

Mr Fosberry said Eloise would continue at the school for the forseeable future.