A MISCHIEVOUS three-year-old accidentally started a huge blaze then saved his mum's life by banging on her bedroom door in a panic.

Yesterday, shaken mum Claire Ashcroft told the Citizen of waking to son Sam's shouts and screams and finding herself surrounded by fire and blazing heat.

And emergency services said the toddler had been playing with matches and again warned parents to keep them away from children.

The upset 21-year-old, whose uninsured flat on Lacy Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, was completely gutted in the incident, said if it wasn't for Sam she may not have been around to tell the tale.

Care worker Claire said: "He was banging on my bedroom door. I woke up and my room was on fire.

"The flames were all round my bed. I jumped off the bed to get out and literally dragged Sam with me. By the time we got out there were flames coming out of the windows.

"He saved my life. He could've been mischievous enough to pick up some matches from somewhere else but he didn't get any from the flat."

Penwortham Fire Sub Officer Ian Margison said: "The fire was caused by a child playing with matches."

All Claire's possessions were wrecked - as was her friend's wedding dress which she was looking after. If you can help Claire call her mum June on 339945.

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