A 27-year-old who suffered severe head injuries in a car accident which killed his friend will get £2.4 million in damages.

Simon Hanmore, of Appledram Lane, Chichester, received devastating injuries when the car in which he was a passenger skidded on black ice.

His friend Justin Baker, from Chichester, was driving and died in the accident on Selhurst Park Road near Chichester on January 9 1997.

Speaking outside court, Sheila Hanmore, of The Pitcroft, Chichester, said she was "relieved" the case had been settled.

She said her son's condition had improved since the accident "by leaps and bounds".

Mr Hanmore, who has nine-year-old daughter, will now receive 24-hour care at home.

Judge Robert Taylor said he was satisfied the proposed settlement was reasonable and in Mr Hanmore's best interests.

He added: "Having reached that conclusion, I'm greatly assisted by the knowledge that Simon's parents are in agreement with the proposal.

"I feel I would like to say that obviously my deepest sympathy goes out to Simon, his parents and his family for the very tragic consequences which he has to live with."

Mr Hanmore sued Mr Baker's insurers, alleging negligence in the driver's handling of the car. His mother acted on his behalf in negotiations.

Philip Havers, representing Mr Hanmore, paid tribute to Mr Baker's insurer, Axa Insurance, saying it had paid £65,000 for his client's rehabilitation at Unstead Park.