A man who suffered brain injuries after being struck by a car has been given £3.5 million compensation.

Carl Wood, now 21, was walking on the A21, near Tunbridge Wells, in the early hours of April 2004 when he was hit by a Toyota Corolla driven by Hanafi Kops, of Church Road, Paddock Wood.

He suffered "catastrophic" skull fractures, leading to bleeding within the brain.

His severe brain damage means that Carl now requires intensive support, although his family have done their utmost to ensure he remains in their home in Laurel Road, High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells, rather in institutional care.

At the High Court in London, Mr Justice Cranston approved a £3.5 million pay out to cover the cost of care throughout his life.

The judge praised Carl's parents, Kevin and Nadine Wood, for the care and devotion lavished on their stricken son who suffered such "catastrophic injuries".

Compensation was agreed on the basis of 50 percent liability.

Carl's QC, Augustus Ullstein, said his family was planning to move into a larger house in the area in order to find more space and cater for his needs.

There was some concern about whether Carl would be able to live with his family, rather than in an institution, given the scale of his disabilities, said the barrister.

"But it is something the family anxiously wish to try," he added. "They want him to be given the opportunity to live in his own home rather than in an institution."

Part of the care package covered by the settlement is directed at providing for 24-hour care for Carl in his own home, although Mr Ullstein added that past problems with Carl's sleep pattern have now largely resolved.