THE family of a childminder who admitted the manslaughter of a boy in her care today said the horror of what happened would live with her forever.

Relatives of Wendy Barlow, of Eightacre Avenue, Sabden, said they were speaking out because they disagreed with the way she had been portrayed.

Barlow, 38, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court this week to killing 19-month-old Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson, of St Paul's Terrace, Clitheroe, at her home last April.

Joshua drowned in the bath late at night while Barlow was drunk. She is due to be sentenced next month and is said to be expecting a jail sentence.

Joshua's mother Emma Massey said she would never have allowed Barlow to look after her son overnight if she had known she only had a daytime registration.

Barlow, is originally from Accrington but also has relatives in Darwen.

The family statement said: "This is not intended to cause any further distress to Emma or her family but we feel we now need to speak out due to the large number of inaccuracies and rumours circulating.

"We, believe that there can be no greater loss than that of losing a child. And we don't believe that the devastation caused to Wendy and her family is comparable to what Emma and her family are going through

"It is extremely difficult for rational thought to be applied to this highly-emotive issue but how many people will go for an evening out this weekend, use a babysitter, have a drink, and then return home to look after their own children?"

The family also said Barlow was prepared to answer any questions Joshua's family may have about the events of the night he died.

They added that Barlow had considered herself a friend of Joshua's mother and felt she was looking after him as a favour.

Her family said: "Wendy has always been a totally devoted mother and wholly dedicated to her job as a childminder. She loved Joshua as she did her own children and deeply regrets what happened.

"She is not looking for forgiveness in any way and these memories will always stay with her."