WOULD-BE firebugs are to be given lessons in fire prevention following the tragic death of a mum and her four-year-old son, who is believed to have started the blaze which killed them.

Assistant Divisional Officer Aidan Fortune today revealed Lancashire Fire and Rescue intends to promote their fire education scheme more.

The Fire Service wants to involve more children in the scheme which, although responsible for helping hundreds of youngsters, could be much better used.

ADO Fortune, who was charged with investigating a house fire in Lonsdale Street, Accrington, which ultimately cost four-year-old Brandon Stoddard and his mother Gaynor their lives, said they were determined to prevent further tragedies.

At an emotional inquest on Wednesday, coroner Michael Singleton was told how Brandon had developed a fascination for fire and had been spotted lighting several fires before the blaze at his home on Sunday, May 21.

Verdicts of accidental deaths were recorded, with cause of the blaze 'most likely to been Brandon experimenting with fire.'

Brandon died within hours of the fire, succumbing to smoke inhalation while his 37-year-old mother died three days later after suffering 70 per cent burns, although her cause of death was attributed to the inhalation of hot products of combustion.

Today, ADO Fortune said: "We have seen the tragic consequences of a fire like this which, in all probability, was probably a result of Brandon experimenting with fire. "We have a service, which many people are not aware of, which helps parents whose children have developed fire fascinations.

"If a parent, teacher or social worker contacts us, we will go and talk to the child and explain the consequences of fires."

The scheme -- called FACE, Fire Awareness Child Education -- was originally launched in 1994, and in the first three years 147 youngsters were dealt with.

None have since re-offended.

ADO Fortune added: "We will try and come and see a child within 24 hours and explain to them how dangerous fire can be.

"We were all hit by this tragic death and we will do all we can to stop it from happening again."

At Wednesday's inquest, Brandon's distraught father, Brian, spoke of how his son had become attracted to fire.

He said: "I had caught him setting fire to rubbish bags, toilet rolls in the bathroom sink and I had to take lighters out of his pocket.

"The day before he died, he was building a bonfire in the garden. I told him off and I thought that was the end of it."

The family are now planning to move into a new home, still in Accrington, but away from Lonsdale Street.

He added: " "We never, ever, imagined anything like this would happen to us.

"But one thing is for sure, when we move into our new home I shall be putting up smoke detectors in every room and I would urge every other family to do exactly the same."

Worried parents can contact local fire stations for help.