A young man from Marlborough who was brain-damaged after being swept out to sea on a youth club outing was awarded compensation at the High Court today.

Barry Miles was 16 when he got out of his depth and was dragged out during the day trip to Bournemouth in August 1998.

Despite the brave efforts of a friend to rescue him, he was under water for up to 40 minutes, and needed prolonged resuscitation by the emergency services.

His counsel, Susan Rodway QC, told Mrs Justice Cox in London that it was a tribute to the medical care he had received that Mr Miles, now 26, had made the recovery he had.

"But, he is left with physical disabilities which are quite serious and cognitive, behavioural and memory problems, which is hardly surprising, given the degree of anoxic damage he must have suffered."

Mr Miles, of Rabley Wood View, Marlborough, was due to take up an apprenticeship with a building company when he was injured.

The agreed damages, which are likely to be substantial but are to stay confidential by consent, will be paid by Wiltshire County Council on the basis of 85 per cent liability.

Approving the lump-sum settlement as "very reasonable and sensible", the judge wished the family well for the future.

She said: "I enjoyed reading about Barry and his various interests and achievements and it is very clear to me that the fact he is doing as well as he is is due in no small part to the devoted care he has received from his parents and the whole family."