THE maintenance company behind a water disaster which caused a woman's ceiling to collapse today apologised for the accident.

Annette Ford, 39, and daughter Rebecca, 15, of Hurstwood Avenue, Green Lane, Blackburn, were forced to sleep downstairs and left overnight with no water or electricity when their bedroom ceiling fell in on Tuesday night.

The mother and six-month-pregnant daughter were then forced to temporarily move out, not knowing where they would stay.

And the pair were told they might have to stay out of the house for five days.

The property, which is owned by housing group Twin Valley Homes, was having new radiators and heating systems fitted when the new overflow system leaked.

Twin Valley Homes, which manages Blackburn with Darwen's old council housing stock, had arranged for sub-contractors Wates to carry out the work.

Today Wates apologised for the family having to move out of the home.

A spokesman said the company was already carrying out the repair work and was redecorating both the main bedroom and the guest room, providing Mrs Ford with new carpets and beds.

And the firm said it hoped the work would be completed by the end of the week.

A spokesman for Wates said: "We regret any inconvenience caused and it is truly our desire to lessen any trouble, as much as possible.

"I would like to apologise to Mrs Ford and her family."

Wates said they have been working to a consistently high standard in the Blackburn area replacing heating systems in 700 homes over a three-and-a-half-year period.

The spokesman added: "In instances such as this, we will always do our utmost to remedy the situation."

Mrs Ford, staying with her friend Joanne Mountain, of Olive Lane, Darwen, said: "I am much happier now.

"The ceiling has been repaired but we have to wait for it to dry before they can decorate which could be another day or two."