A MOTHER today said she hoped she was closer to finding answers over her 19-month-old son's death after his childminder was accused of manslaughter.

Emma Massey, 24, spoke after Wendy Barlow, 37, of Eightacre Aveune, Sabden, was charged following a four-month investigation into the death of Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson. He died at former Accrington woman Barlow's house on the night of April 17.

Barlow was given unconditional bail when she appeared before Blackburn magistrates today. A preliminary date of September 17 was set for the case to be heard at Preston Crown Court.

Emma said: "I hope this means we are a step closer to finding out what happened to Joshua, who was my life.

"Before we can get on with our lives, we need to know what happened."

Emma and partner Simon Hodgkinson, 34, of St Paul's Street, Clitheroe, paid tribute to local police and their family and friends for the support they have received since April.

Emma, who has started a new job working for a Ribble Valley publishing firm, said: "Everyone has been wonderful, and the local police have been excellent with us.

"Friends and family have been with us every step of the way as well, supporting us in any way they can.

"I have started a new job in the middle of all of this and they have been great too, giving me all the time off that I have needed. I can't thank people enough for the support they have shown."

The family are still waiting for some of Joshua's organs to be returned to them because of the investigation.

Emma added: "We have been given no indication of when we will get them.

"We want to have them buried as well. One of the hardest parts is that I never got to say goodbye.

"As soon as today is over, I will be ringing Simon. He is away with his new job in Scotland so couldn't be in court to see what happens.

"But he is only on the end of the phone and on behalf of both of us, I'd like to thank everyone who has been there for us."

As well as his gravestone -- which has the nickname "Wish Wash" on it because of his obsession with washing machines - Joshua also has a monkey puzzle tree planted planted in his memory at Clitheroe Cemetery. It was donated by staff at David Greenhalgh vets in Burnley, where Joshua's grandmother Cathy, of Riverlea Gardens, Clitheroe, works.