A MAN who went on a day trip to Blackpool and stayed over at his girlfriend's house left his two children home alone to fend for themselves, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that police, called to the house in Higher South Street, Darwen, by a concerned neighbour, found the children living in appalling conditions, without heating or food.

They told police it was not unusual for them to be left alone and said a knife, found hidden under a carpet, was for their protection if they were attacked.

David Kay, 47, pleaded guilty to neglecting his 13-year-old and 15-year-old children. He was remanded on bail until March 28 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports and the magistrates said all options would be open to the sentencing court.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said the police had originally gone to the Darwen house at 10.50pm on Sunday following a report of a disturbance. The children said they did not expect their dad back until midnight.

At 4am the officers returned to the house where they found the children and a number of other youngsters. The two said they did not know where their father was.

"It was very cold in the house and there was very little light," said Miss Fanning.

"There was very little food in the house, all the rooms were unclean and untidy and there was mould in the fridge.

"The children said they kept a knife under the carpet because they were frightened of someone breaking in and attacking them.

"He said that on this occasion he had been to Blackpool for the day with his girlfriend and had then spent the night at her house."

Richard Prew, defending, said the children's mother had died seven years ago and Kay accepted that he had lost control of them.

"Quite obviously he needs to regain his parenting skills," said Mr Prew, who invited the magistrates to adjourn for pre-sentence reports.