A BMW driver has admitted knocking down and killing a seven-year-old boy who followed a friend across the road for a drink of water.

David Josh Cameron, seven, was hit on a pedestrian crossing as his friends looked on.

The youngster had been playing with a group of friends near his home when one boy crossed Stamfordham Road, Newcastle, to call home for a drink.

David, who was on his bike, followed and was almost at the other side when he was hit by Mark Tye, 21, in a silver BMW.

Tye, of Chapel Park, Newcastle, admitted causing death by dangerous driving during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

Sentence was adjourned until May 23, but Judge Esmond Faulks warned him: "It is almost inevitable for an offence of this sort the sentence will be one of imprisonment."

David's parents, Debbie and David, were in court surrounded by family and friends when Tye entered his guilty plea.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Cameron, a roadwork supervisor, said: "It is good he is going to prison, but that still brings no comfort to us."