A FATHER-of-three who set fire to the mill where he worked has been jailed for two and a half years.

The court heard that the fire caused an explosion and that many people were put at risk.

Fire officers who investigated the blaze at Gillibrands Mill, Darwen, found petrol in a main office and in the hallway.

Preston Crown Court was how a Transco engineer bravely tackled the situation by going into the building to turn off the gas, at considerable risk to his own safety. The engineer had heard gas escaping and realised that action was imperative.

John Grimshaw, 28, of Ash Grove, Darwen, had pleaded guilty to a charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

The fire was started on January 21 last year and the defendant suffered severe burns in the blast.

He received 20 per cent burns to the body. His arms and hands were particularly affected and his lungs were burned.

A psychiatric report stated that Grimshaw was suffering from an acute stress reaction at the time.

Mr Ian Dacre, defending, said Grimshaw had been the "guiding light" of the business for many years.

"The defendant cannot remember how this incident was caused. He does express his remorse to the potential victims."

References handed in on Grimshaw's behalf showed that he was held in high regard by various people.

Mr Dacre added: "This defendant acknowledges the seriousness of what happened and the likelihood of a custodial sentence.

"He had been suffering some form of reaction to something that had happened the week before and the anniversary of his father's death."

The judge, Recorder Beverley Lunt, said it was a very serious offence and that Grimshaw could not realistically put a reason forward.

She told him: "The results of this offence are visible and will be with you for the rest of your life.

"This was a fire deliberately set, with several seats of fire and with a trail of petrol. When you deal with petrol, you are dealing with a very dangerous substance indeed.

"The vapour caught fire and the explosion occurred which put many people at risk.

"This offence is so serious that only immediate custody is appropriate.