THE father of a girl awarded £3.4million after being starved of oxygen at birth today said that no amount of money could compensate for her disability.

Dave Warburton, 39, of Holden Wood Drive, Helmshore, spoke out after the High Court in Manchester made the award against Burnley Health Care NHS Trust, who admitted liability.

His daughter Hannah, seven, suffers from cerebral palsy and will require 24-hour care for the rest of her life because of mistakes made during her birth.

The court heard Hannah, who used to attend the Stepping Stones development therapy nursery in Haslingden, and her twin sister Samantha were born at Burnley General Hospital in December 1994.

Mr Warburton said: "The money will certainly help address a lot of Hannah's needs but no amount of money will ever compensate Hannah for being disabled.

"We would have been pleased if we had two girls who were not disabled.

"Hannah has a fantastic smile, she is a fantastic kid, bearing in mind what she has been through. It has been a constant battle for several years to try and get what Hannah needs. It has made life very frustrating. It will be easier now to get the specialist care equipment and accommodation that Hannah needs. The last seven and a half years have been extremely stressful for all the family and our health has suffered as a result of this. I have always said that Hannah was disabled unnecessarily."

Michael Redfern QC for Hannah, told the court severe birth asphyxia led to cerebral palsy and she could not stand or sit unsupported. Her sister was unaffected.

He said: "Apparently, she has a considerable insight into her own condition, but she will never be able to work.

"She will need 24-hour care for the rest of her life and is cared for to an extraordinarily high level by her devoted parents in what is a trying and stressful situation."

In approving the award, the judge Mr Justice Poole sent his best wishes for the future to Hannah and praised her parents, David and Margaret, of Helmshore.

He said: "I commend them as warmly as I can for their outstanding care and devotion to their daughter.

"I congratulate the parties on coming to terms."

Outside court, Hannah's solicitor, Stephen Jones, of Pannone and Partners, Manchester, said: "Hannah is a lovely little girl.

"We are delighted to have obtained such a good settlement. It will make a difference to her quality of life."

Mr Warburton, who was in court with his wife Margaret, added: "The award means we can now move forward. The result we have achieved reflects our determination to keep our family together. We thank everyone involved for their help and support."

Mr and Mrs Warburton had previously sold animal pin badges in a bid to raise money to care for Hannah.

Mr Warburton, who works as a store manager in Keighley, launched the appeal four years ago in 1998.

Burnley Health Care NHS Trust said: "We have agreed to pay the sum of £3.4million for the benefit of Hannah Warburton in respect of treatment provided at Burnley general Hospital in December 1994.

"The trust extends its apologies to Hannah Warburton and her family for the injuries she has sustained."