A BOY who sustained serious brain damage in a car accident 11 years ago is expected to receive £1.75m in compensation.

The parents of George Currie, who was three when he was hit by a car on a road in County Durham, said he would now be able to have a reasonable life.

George, now 14, was knocked off his tricycle by a taxi in Third Street, Horden, near Peterlee, in September 1993.

He lost control of his bike on the pavement, swerved on to the road and was hit.

He sustained a traumatic brain injury and was taken to hospital in Stockton for emergency treatment and transferred to Middlesbrough and then Hartlepool hospitals.

The only witness was George's nine-year-old sister, Gemma, who is now 20.

Taxi driver Andrew Appleby told police he was driving within the 30mph limit at the time.

Since the accident, George has suffered major long-term personality and behavioural problems and has been excluded from several schools.

The family has since moved to Edinburgh, and George is being cared for by a specialised childcare agency. He is likely to require round-the-clock monitoring for the rest of his life.

John Davis, the lawyer acting for George, said Mr Appleby's insurance company accepted liability.

The case will be examined by Newcastle County Court on Monday, but the decision to pay £1.75m compensation is expected to be ratified.

Mr Davis said: "I am delighted for the family, particularly so given that nobody initially thought that they had a claim.

"This award will go a long way to rebuilding their lives and ensuring George gets the long-term care he needs."

George's father, Allister, said: "George's injuries were awful, but we now know that he will have the proper care and support needed to have a reasonable quality of life. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us."