The father of Skipton cricketer Ian Folley has called for a change in the law after a hospital took five years to admit liability for his son's death.

Jim Folley, formerly of Overdale Park, Skipton, also branded as 'pathetic' compensation of £51,155 awarded at the High Court in Newcastle last week to his four-year-old grandson Jack, who never knew his father. Jack now lives in Cumbria with his mum, Jill Barwise, who is appealing against the sum.

The former Lancashire and Derbyshire player died in West Cumberland Hospital, at Whitehaven in Cumbria, on August 30, 1993, where he was taken when he was hit in the face by a ball.

The hospital admitted liability after he suffered a heart attack in the operating theatre where he was due to have minor surgery on his eye. A tube which should have been fed into his lungs was found leading to his stomach.

An inquest jury at Whitehaven returned a verdict of misadventure on Ian, who was captain of the town's cricket team.

Jim Folley, who now lives in Bedale, North Yorkshire, attacked hospital chiefs for dragging out proceedings for so long in the hope, he claimed, that the family would give up. And he called for a change in the law to force speedier agreements in health cases.

"For five years and four months they denied liability and then at the 11th hour they said they accepted it," he said. "Compensation of £51,155 is just an insult to professional cricket and cricketers.

"As an amount to look after his son for life, it's disgusting.''

He added: "It took ten solid months and five letters from my solicitor for the hospital just to send the operating notes.''

In a statement, West Cumbria Health Care NHS Trust expressed regret for the death.

"The Trust admitted liability for this tragedy at a time which may appear late in the day.

"It did so honourably after a thorough examination of a cause of death which raised extremely difficult issues and having advice that on balance it was advisable to admit liability."

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