A man in his 70s who was left paraplegic after doctors failed to diagnose a spinal condition is to receive a compensation payout from an NHS trust.

Thomas Jacobs began to suffer from back pain in 2005 and visited the James Paget Hospital several times, the North Eastern Daily Press attests.

However, doctors failed to detect osteomyelitis, a bone infection of the spine.

He was left paralysed by the infection, but his solicitors successfully argued that had doctors diagnosed and treated the infection, he would only have suffered stiffness and pain after surgery.

Mr Jacobs is now to receive compensation that could amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds after the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability.

A spokesperson said: "The solicitors for the trust and Mr Jacobs continue to work together in reaching a settlement of his claim for damages. The trust repeats its deep regret at the difficulties caused by the paraplegia."

Clinical negligence occurs when a professional in the health service provides care that is deemed to be below standard and this causes physical injury, death or distress.

Anyone who has suffered personal injury in England or Wales following a medical procedure or as a result of wrongful advice may be entitled to compensation and is advised to seek legal representation.