A MUM has been jailed for endangering the life of her daughter after passing out drunk as her house was on fire for the second time.

Burnley Crown Court heard Melanie Bates, of Basil Street in Colne, had fallen asleep in her bedroom after drinking heavily despite trying to reheat a takeaway in her 'faulty' microwave.

As the 29-year-old alcoholic slept, the court was told a fire started to spread in the kitchen forcing her six-year-old daughter to desperately seek help by opening a window.

Two neighbours risked their lives running into the burning home to save the mother and daughter on July 25.

Bates was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting a single charge of ill treatment, neglect and exposing a child in a manner likely to cause her unnecessary suffering or injury.

Judge Beverley Lunt said Bates had exposed the child to 'a very dangerous situation in almost identical circumstances' for which she was given a suspended sentence for in April 2016.

In that case she had again fallen asleep during a house fire and was given a six week sentence suspended for 12 months.

Judge Lunt said Bates had an 'astronomical' level of alcohol in her blood and she and her daughter had two neighbours to thank for saving their lives.

Jailing her, Judge Lunt, said: "This is the second time the child has been subject to such terror.

"15 months later we have a life threatening situation again as you were so drunk you did not realise there was a fire in your kitchen and the most dangerous of things, thick black smoke, was going through the house."

Bates presumed she was reheating a takeaway in the microwave but 'could not remember' for certain using the appliance, the court heard.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker said she had a drinking problem 'for some time' and had been in contact with her family for help.

Bates' brother dropped her and her daughter off at their home at around 6.30pm on July 24 and she was sober, the prosecution said.

The daughter had been left in her bedroom on her own when the fire started and had tried to open the window in her room but was unable to, the court heard.

She had recently had a fire safety talk at school and was trying to throw a cushion out the window and she would then get a blanket and try and climb out, the prosecution said.

Naomi Crewe, who lived nearby, saw the six-year-old in the window of the house and went across the road to try and save her, the court heard.

She was faced with 'thick black smoke when she entered the property' and saw another resident who was removing the microwave from the kitchen.

Ms Crewe then helped the six-year-old out of the house after the child had previously looked for her mother's phone to call emergency services to no avail.

She then went back in to help Bates escape and Mr Parker said the neighbour recalled she had 'crashed out in bed extremely drunk' and had a 'strong smell of alcohol.'

Emergency services were called by Ms Crewe and Bates was breathalysed outside the house, the court heard.

The test revealed the alcohol levels were almost four times the legal drink driving limit, the prosecution said.

Mr Parker said officers had trouble obtaining basic details from the defendant such as name and date of birth.

The court heard Bates was aware the microwave was faulty and would sometimes run for 90 minutes when set for 30 seconds and the plate would not rotate as intended.

For the defence James Heyworth said Bates took full responsibility for the fire, admitting she should have replaced the microwave and was 'very upset'.

He also said the mother 'understands drink was at the route of all evil in her and her daughters life' but was working to 'unpick the problem' of what causes her drinking.

The child is currently is currently in the care of Bates' brother and Judge Lunt said she understands he will be given custody.