THE ordeal endured by two of the teenagers badly burned in a bonfire accident has only just begun, with the news they are to face months away from school.

Anthony Cooper, 13 and James Foster, 15, were treated for serious chemical burns over a week ago when the contents of a metal drum exploded over them after it was thrown onto a bonfire on private land near the Old Paper Mill, Rishton, by a gang of youths.

A third youngster, Jack Entwistle, 15, of Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, suffered less serious injuries.

James, of Sunny Bower Road, Blackburn, was discharged from Booth Hall Hospital children's burn's unit in Manchester this week and Anthony, of Bank Hey Lane, Brown Hill, Blackburn, is still being treated at Royal Preston Hospital Burns unit, though his mother Deborah thinks he may be sent home tomorrow.

Jack was discharged from Booth Hall with less serious injuries on Tuesday.

But for Anthony the frustrating road to recovery will be long, with doctors telling mother Deborah 38, it could be up to 12 months until her son is back at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn.

James' mum Janet, also confirmed she would need to arrange a home tutor, though she estimated he would be back at school much sooner.

She said: "James will have to stay at home because if he bangs his legs, it cause him more problems. He's still in a lot of pain."

And Anthony's mother said the burns on her son's legs, chest and arms were still very painful and she did not know when he would be able to walk again.

She said: "My son is still very angry about what happened, especially as he may not be able to go back to school for a year. We will have to arrange home tuition somehow.

"It is even harder for him to cope with because he was a keen sportsman and was captain of the school football team. Now he won't be able to do any of that and I could scream I am so angry.

She added: "And I still want to know how such dangerous chemicals were so accessible to those children and want I some answers quickly. Janet and myself are still thinking about legal action."

Sergeant Pam Holgate of Great Harwood CID, who is leading the investigation into the accident said: "My first port of call is the boys, who will soon be well enough to speak to us.

"It is still too early to know if anyone was to blame for leaving the drum in an accessible place, but we hope to know more soon."