A boy who was severely brain damaged when he was knocked from his tricycle as a toddler has won £1.75 million compensation.

George Currie has required constant care after he was knocked from his tricycle by a taxi and left with a severe brain injury in September 1993.

The 14-year-old, who now lives in Edinburgh with his parents Allister and Paula Currie, lived in Horden, Peterlee at the time of the accident.

He is now being cared for by a specialised childcare agency in Edinburgh and is likely to require around the clock monitoring for the rest of his life, a judge at Newcastle County Court heard today.

Judge Christopher Walton approved a draft order awarding George £1,750,000 compensation.

He said: "George suffered a serious brain jury and has suffered difficulties throughout his life, particularly at school.

"He needs more or less constant attention to make sure he does not prejudice his own safety.

"He has a normal life expectancy and will require care for the rest of his life."