HOSPITAL bosses are to pay out out nearly £2million to the parents of an eight-year-old boy who suffered severe brain damage at birth.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley Healthcare NHS Trust admitted negligence at the time of his birth through the failure to offer the boy's mother an emergency Caesarean section.

The youngster -- who has not been named -- was left brain damaged and developed cerebral palsy.

He will require help and support from his parents, who also have a 20-month-old boy, and carers for the rest of his life.

Trust bosses paid out £1.85million in an out of court settlement after a seven-year battle. The amount was agreed in the High Court.

The parents, from the Mellor area of Blackburn, have asked not to be named but Andrew Sands, partner with specialist medical negligence firm, Lonsdales of Preston, who acted on behalf of them, said they were pleased with the outcome.

He said: "The parents are extremely relieved that the case has now concluded.

"The solicitors acting for Queen's Park Hospital, in Blackburn, admitted there had been negligence at the time of the child's birth through the failure to offer an emergency Caesarean section.

"He had suffered acute asphyxia, which in turn had caused his brain damage.

"The parents are happy that the legal process has now been concluded which allow them to put the tragedy behind them and move forward in life knowing that there is sufficient compensation money to offer their son the best possible quality of life, relative to his disabilities."

A statement from Trust chief executive, John Thomas, said: "The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare NHS Trust is pleased to confirm that an agreement, which has been approved by the Court, has been reached with the parents in respect of injuries he received at the time of his birth at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

"The Trust would like to extend sincere apologies to the boy and his family.

"The settlement secures his care for the future and the Trust would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the family for their devoted care of him over the years."