A PILLION passenger who was left brain damaged after a motorbike accident has been awarded a seven-figure sum in compensation.

Lee Jameson, now 22, was travelling with a friend in Redcar, east Cleveland, on October 27, 1997, when the bike was involved in a collision with a car.

The man at the controls of the motorbike died after the accident and, although Mr Jameson survived, he will never fully recover from his injuries.

His battle for compensation against the insurers of the car and the motorbike was settled during a short hearing at the High Court, sitting in Newcastle, yesterday.

Mr Jameson, who did not attend the hearing, lives a semi-independent life at his home in York. He is helped by carers and his parents, Bob and Lorraine, who still live in Redcar.

The family's solicitor, John Hurley, said: "The family are pleased that the matter has now come to an end.

"It has been very difficult and they are pleased with the amount of the settlement, which will at least provide a degree of care and security for Lee for the rest of his life."

The settlement figure was approved by Mr Justice Gross.