A 13-year-old boy, who suffered brain damage during his birth at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, has been awarded more than £3m in compensation.

Wheelchair-bound Graham Eccles will need care for the rest of his life, as a result of disabilities caused by what his lawyers described as negligent delays in delivering him in 1988.

Oxfordshire Health Authority yesterday issued a public apology after agreeing to settle Graham's damages claim for £3,125,000.

In approving the settlement at London's High Court, Judge Phillip Raynor said he was particularly moved by a picture of Graham.

He said: "The photograph I have seen is a lovely one and he is clearly a lovely boy."

He also praised Graham's parents, David and Ann, of Abingdon.

He told them one of the first things they should do now the case was concluded was go on a family holiday.

He said: "Graham is very fortunate to have parents such as you. What you have done is beyond words, but everyone should know about the commitment and love you have shown, and it cannot be overstated."

After the settlement, Mr and Mrs Eccles, who also have a daughter, said they were glad the case had finished.

Mr Eccles said: "Many people will look upon the damages as a large sum.

"However, the damages have to provide for Graham's care needs for the rest of his life.

"It will also give us, as parents, the peace of mind that the funds are in place to meet any of Graham's requirements in the future.

"But no amount of money will ever give Graham the things he has missed out on in life."

Through their lawyers, the couple argued that Graham, who suffered brain damage as a result of oxygen starvation, should have been delivered earlier by Caesarean section.

They said: "We bear no bitterness towards the health authority or its servants.

"However, we are critical of the fact that the health authority has been reluctant to admit any wrongdoing.

"We cannot forgive the fact that, had Graham's delivery been managed differently, the outcome should have been so different."

The health authority issued a public apology to the family.

It said: "Oxfordshire Health Authority would like to express its unreserved apology to Mr and Mrs Eccles and to Graham for the events which occurred during Graham's birth.

"The Eccles clearly face major challenges in caring for Graham and the health authority hopes that compensation will now go towards ensuring that Graham enjoys a better quality of life in the future."